Edu sets sights on World Cup place

04 December 2009 06:26
The Rangers midfielder has returned to training with the Ibrox club following his recovery from a summer knee operation which has kept him on the sidelines all season.[LNB]The former Toronto FC player's short-term goal is to return for the Old Firm game against Celtic at Parkhead on January 3.[LNB]However, his longer-term aim is to regain his place in his national side ahead of the World Cup finals.[LNB]Speaking at Hampden, where he was publicising Saturday's Scottish Premier League clash with Falkirk at the Falkirk Stadium, Edu said: "To tell you the truth I don't really care who we get in the draw.[LNB]"England? Why not?[LNB]"But I just want to be there to experience the whole tournament, that is definitely my goal.[LNB]"I wanted to get back sooner so I could play in some Champions League games for Rangers.[LNB]"That didn't happen so I just want to get back as quickly as possible to help the team out.[LNB]"The long-term goal is to get back in to the World Cup team.[LNB]"The fact that we have qualified is great for the country and myself and DaMarcus Beasley want to go to South Africa."[LNB]Asked if he could be ready for the game against Celtic, Edu said: "I hope so. I don't know but I hope so.[LNB]"I'm back involved a little bit and training with the team.[LNB]"Now it's just a matter of taking it day by day and not looking too far ahead, getting sharp and getting my fitness back.[LNB]"But right now the knee is feeling pretty good and hopefully I'm back sooner rather than later."[LNB]Edu claims recent reports of dressing-room unrest at the club have been exaggerated.[LNB]Striker Kenny Miller and defender Madjid Bougherra reportedly had a training-ground bust-up the day before Saturday's SPL defeat at Aberdeen, after which it was reported that skipper Davie Weir and Kyle Lafferty had words in the dressing room at half-time with the Northern Ireland international replaced by Miller.[LNB]However, Edu said: "It has been blown out of proportion.[LNB]"We know what's going on within our team, we know what our team morale is like and we know what the team spirit is like so it is not a concern to us.[LNB]"It is not anything we worry about.[LNB]"There is always going to be talk about things happening at any club.[LNB]"Little minor things happen, nothing major and nothing to be concerned about. You just get on with.[LNB]"I've started training again, everyone is enjoying their football and we are all definitely on the same page in terms of we all want to get back to winning ways and performing the way we can and the next chance is this weekend, after a mishap against Aberdeen."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk