Edu happy to grind it out

The American grabbed the only goal of the game to allow the Scottish champions to cement their place at the top of the standings, ten points clear of arch rivals Celtic with a game in hand. Edu admits it was far from a vintage display against an Accies side who felt they deserved a point at Ibrox after claiming a James McArthur effort was wrongly ruled offside.

"It wasn't the greatest performance but we're pleased to get the three points and edge closer to retaining the title," said the Rangers midfielder. "We would like a good performance in every game but, at this stage of the season, it comes down to getting the results when you need them and we were able to do that."

Meanwhile, Hamilton skipper Alex Neil believes McArthur can be a success in the Barclays Premier League as he prepares for a trial at Wigan. He said: "If he does as well as everyone at our club thinks he can do, then there is no reason why he can't go down there and play at that level. He's only 22 but he has played 150 games so he is experienced. People look at his age and think he is a young kid but he has played a lot of football.

"I think his performances show that, he knows what he's doing."

And Neil insists life will go on at Hamilton if McArthur does opt for a move south this summer. He added: "It was the same as James McCarthy last year, he was a great player and he moved down to Wigan and has done great.

"But the club moves on and that's just the nature of football. We give these young lads an opportunity to show what they can do and, if they are good enough, they will move on and play at a higher level."