Rangers debut for American Edu in Glasgow derby

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) -- U.S. midfielder Maurice Edu is set to make his Glasgow Rangers debut in Sunday's Old Firm derby against Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.

The 22-year-old Edu completed his $5 million transfer from Major League Soccer's Toronto FC last week after being granted a British work permit. Edu is expected to arrive in Scotland by Thursday once visa formalities have been completed at the British Embassy in Toronto.

Rangers manger Walter Smith is eager to deploy him against Celtic. The Glasgow rivals are tied at seven points atop the SPL after three games.

"If we can get him over in good time then I have no doubt that he would be involved on Sunday at some stage," Smith said.

Smith is pleased that Edu, who signed a five-year contract, has added to his international experience during August at the Beijing Olympics and in a World Cup qualifier at Guatemala.

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