Source: Team_Talk
Edu aims to make right impression
The United States international was reluctant to go as far as saying he is capable of filling Ferguson's boots.
But the midfielder is confident in his own ability to do a job for the Ibrox club after spending much of his debut season kicking his heels on the sidelines.
He said: "Barry is a great player and he brings a lot to the team. He has proven in all the time that he's been here that he's a great player.
"It's still early in my career and it's good that I've been able to train with him and the other guys and learn a lot from them.
"Hopefully I can come in and do a job. I feel confident in myself and I know my team-mates will help me along the way.
"It's not a scenario of me replacing him, it's just a matter of me coming in and doing my part and being the player I know I can be."
With a question mark hanging over the future of both Ferguson and Allan McGregor in the wake of their two-week suspensions, and Lee McCulloch ruled out for the next two games through injury, Edu can finally expect a run in the first team.
"I've been waiting in the wings the whole season," he said.
"I've had a couple of games here and there but now I have the chance to come in and try to help the team out.
"Ultimately, we still want to win the league and that's what we are still trying to do. I just hope to do well.
"I train hard every day, try to keep my fitness up and wait for my chance.
"When your chance comes, you just hope you are ready for it and can seize it.
"It's a chance for the guys who haven't played as much to come in and do well, help the team out in their time of need, and try to keep their
spot."
Manager Walter Smith claimed at the weekend that the furore surrounding the antics of Ferguson and McGregor had earned more column inches than banks which had gone bust.
But Edu claims he has had no problem adjusting to the Glasgow goldfish bowl which comes with playing for one half of the Old Firm.
"I expected it," he said. "I knew how massive the club was coming here so I was prepared for all the coverage and attention we would get.
"It's just something we have to deal with. When you play for Rangers you know what the expectations are and you know how much history and passion surrounds this club.
"You just have to take it in your stride and behave professionally."
Edu was thrown into the final 15 minutes of Sunday's 1-0 win at Falkirk after McCulloch limped off and is hoping to have an even bigger role to play against St Mirren tomorrow night.
"It was a great opportunity for myself," he said. "It was just unfortunate that Lee McCulloch took that injury.
"The team fought well in the game and got the result that we wanted but maybe didn't play as well as we know we can.
"The most important thing was that we got the three points and hopefully we can do the same against St Mirren."
