Los Angeles Galaxy boss Bruce Arena has backed Rangers rookie Maurice Edu to make his mark with the Scottish giants once he gains some valuable learning time on the pitch.

The U.S. international has been limited to a few spare appearances since arriving from Toronto FC last summer, but there is at least one high profile supporter airing public faith in the midfielder.
 
"Maurice is a player who can step up to that kind of pressure and do well," Arena told the Daily Mail. "It's always a difficult time when you are a scrambling in a title race."

"Rangers are chasing Celtic and it can feel like an awkward time to introduce young players to the starting line-up."

Arena believes Edu may be ready for an increased role in the side, but added his opinion that manager Walter Smith was capable of knowing just when tap the youngster's shoulder.

"Rangers have paid good money for him and that is another reason why he probably needs to play more," he explained. "The club has made an investment, so the quicker they can bring him on, the better it is for everyone."

"But Walter is a very experienced manager and my view is that he will make a good decision in this situation," concluded Arena.

"He has seen a lot of young, promising players come and go and I'm sure he will understand when it is the right time to introduce Maurice to the Rangers first team on a permanent basis."

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