Rangers boss Walter Smith was delighted with the form of USA international midfielder Maurice Edu in yesterday's 2-1 win over Kilmarnock. Smith was pleased with the contribution of Edu, who earned a surprise debut from the start despite his extensive travelling with the United States national team in recent weeks. He has played in China, Guatemala and Cuba since the beginning of August.

"I wasn't intending to give him his debut today but Kevin Thomson got injured in training yesterday and that meant that we had to make the change," the Rangers boss explained.

"It's always awkward when players are travelling those distances in the international break so it was maybe a little bit unfair on him.

"But I thought Maurice showed some really good touches and we look forward to him settling down and getting some training under his belt now.

"For players like Pedro Mendes it's easy because he is an experienced player but Maurice has only played for just over a year at professional level so it will take him a little bit of time to settle down.

"We were hoping to get the chance to work with him on the training field before putting him out but he will handle it okay."