Edu has struggled fro a regular first team since arriving at Ibrox

Maurice Edu says he could not replace Barry Ferguson if the dropped Rangers midfielder leaves in the summer.

Ferguson is serving a suspension following gestures made during a recent World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

"Barry brings a lot to the team. He has proven over the time he has been here that he is a great player," said Edu.

"I'm still early in my career and the great thing is that I have been able to train with guys like him and Pedro and I have learned a lot."

Edu, 22, has struggled for first-team football since his £2.6m move from Major League Soccer outfit Toronto last August.

But he was quick to dismiss any suggestions that he would be an automatic replacement for the deposed Ferguson.

"It's not a matter of me replacing him," said Edu. "It's a matter of me coming in and playing my part and being the player I can be.

It's not a matter of me replacing him it's a matter of me coming in and playing my part and being the player I can be Maurice Edu

"I have been training hard every day and trying to keep my fitness up, whether it is in reserve games or during training.

"So, when your chance comes, you have to hope that you are ready for it and you just seize it."

Edu came on as a substitute in Sunday's victory over Falkirk after an injury to Lee McCulloch and looks likely to start against St Mirren on Wednesday.

"It's unfortunate that Lee took that injury, but it gave me an opportunity," said the American.

"We didn't produce the best performance at Falkirk, but we fought hard and got the three points and that was the most important thing.

"Now we want to do the same against St Mirren."

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