Before the 28-year-old signed a three-year contract earlier in the month for a fee thought to be around £1.9million, Edgar, from the Rangers Supporters Trust, claimed the Scotland striker would be a "deeply unpopular" signing at Ibrox.

Edgar said Smith's standing among the rank and file support will ensure Miller gets their backing - in the short term at least.

"The fans will back Walter Smith's judgement even though a section of them don't particularly like Miller," Edgar said.

"They accept that Walter has the right to bring in the players that he wants to bring in.

"Walter is a very popular manager who has earned the respect of the fans and if he says Kenny Miller will improve the team then the fans will go along with that.

"Kenny will get the opportunity to turn the fans around but it was an unpopular signing and it would be naive to think otherwise.

"It has nothing to do with him being an ex-Celtic player.

"The fans are simply not keen on Kenny Miller and he will need to get off to a good start."

Edgar added: "I'm sure Kenny Miller himself knows how the fans feel about his arrival.

"And in many ways you have to hand it to him, he must have a strong character.

"He is aware of the feelings of the fans but it doesn't appeared to have affected him.

"But it is up to him to prove himself. He has to get the fans onside by delivering the goods.

"I think he will get a low-key reception when he turns out at Ibrox for the first time this season, which looks like it will be in the friendly against Liverpool on August 2.

"People will be waiting to see what he does.

"But he is a Rangers player and the fans will give anyone in a blue jersey 110% backing."