Edu has delivered a string of solid performances for Rangers

Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu says the impact of former captain Barry Ferguson and manager Walter Smith have helped to establish his place in the first team.

Edu said of Ferguson, whose place he has taken in the side: "Barry pushes me to be a better player. If he continues here, it will be great for the club."

And the 23-year-old £2.7m signing from Toronto spoke highly of Smith.

"He knows the right words to say at the right time. He's a great manager to play for," said Edu.

Edu took several months to break into the first team, having first to find his feet at Rangers since his move last August, then battling back from an ankle injury.

But the American international played a key role in the title run-in, with former captain Ferguson's suspension and injury creating space in the midfield.

At a media conference to mark a £25,000 donation by the Rangers Charity Foundation to youth group Fairbridge, Edu said: "As much as there is a lot of competition for positions, we all get along with each other; we all motivate each other day in and day out.

"It's great to have players like Barry around. His reputation speaks for itself. He has been a great leader for this club. His time here has been tremendous.

"I can learn from him and from the other experienced players here. He still has a lot to offer Rangers."

And the United States star praised Smith for his role in guiding Edu and his team-mates to the club's 52nd Scottish title.

"The manager was great for us," said Edu. "Everyone has an immense amount of respect for him. He has kept us motivated throughout the season.

"Everyone had that same belief. He believed in us and that led to us believing in ourselves.

"He has been great for me. The way he has brought me along and given me time to settle in and adjust to the game, and be in the best situation possible so that when my time did come I would be prepared, has been good for me.

I'm looking forward to playing against some of the great teams in the world Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu

"Now that I've had this good run of games, it has been great for my confidence."

Winning the league title secured direct entry for Rangers into the Champions League group, important in terms of cash and prestige to the Ibrox club.

And for Edu, the prospect of playing in the tournament is a dream come true.

"When I signed here, that was what I wanted to play in and now that's a reality," he said.

"I'm looking forward to playing against some of the great teams in the world.

"Hopefully we'll get in a group with someone like Barcelona. It would be amazing to go over there and play in their stadium in front of their fans.

"As a young boy you dream of playing in games like that."

"We have experienced players, guys who have played in the Champions League. With the squad we have here, I think we'll be able to compete."

Edu will join his American team-mates on international duty over the summer but before he breaks from the Scottish football scene he has the chance to add to his medal tally in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday.

"We want to win the double so our attention now turns to the game against Falkirk at the weekend.

"To win the double would be something special. It's going to be a tough game.

"You know what's up for grabs. It will be an entertaining game but hopefully we can come out with two medals."

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