Edu has a work permit but is awaiting a visa to play in the United Kingdom

Rangers' new signing Maurice Edu will be in their squad for Sunday's match against Celtic if he arrives in Glasgow by Thursday.

Edu has been granted a work permit and should join the squad for training after completing visa formalities.

The midfielder, who will cost Rangers �2.6m, has agreed a five-year contract.

Manager Walter Smith told the club's website: "If we can get him over in time then I have no doubt that he would be involved on Sunday at some stage."

Edu played for the United States at the Olympics in Beijing and was in the squad along with Rangers winger DaMarcus Beasley for a World Cup qualifier against Guatemala.

He came across as one of these boys who would not be fazed by a great deal Rangers manager Walter Smith

"The good thing is that he has been playing regularly and travelling around the world regularly with the US national team," said Smith.

"When I first met him, he came across as one of these boys who would not be fazed by a great deal. He seems quite a confident lad."

Meanwhile, striker Kyle Lafferty could make a return to the first-team in the Old Firm match after missing the draw with Aberdeen because of a hamstring injury.

"I think he will be fit," added Smith.

"He only just missed out on being involved at Aberdeen, so after a few days on the training ground we would be hopeful of having him for this weekend."