Reinforcements would help but character will shine through, says Maurice Edu

MAURICE Edu believes Rangers retain the necessary depth of resolve to compensate for any lack of resources as they prepare to challenge for silverware in the second half of the season.

The American midfielder recognises the frustration currently being expressed by Rangers supporters over the club's inability to strengthen their squad so far during the current transfer window. It is a sense of anxiety intensified by Celtic's capture of Kris Commons, one of Walter Smith's targets, yesterday.

But while Lloyds Banking Group's financial control of Rangers continues to have an impact, Edu is confident that the champions can once again fend off Celtic and retain their domestic dominance.

"The club, the fans and the players would obviously like to see new faces coming in," said Edu. "But, as players, we have to be professional about everything we do and just focus on doing our part on the pitch. We dont worry about the things off the pitch we can't control, and just control the things we can, like going out there and getting results for the club.

"Over the last couple of seasons, it has seemed like the odds have been against us. That has brought the team together. We've had a strong core of guys, whove been through this before. We know what it takes to achieve something special and the guys who have been here a few years can pass it on to some of the newer guys. Hopefully we can push forward and repeat what we've done in the past.

"I think we've coped with it pretty well this season. Since losing at home to Celtic at the start of this year, we've had some pretty positive results. Obviously the Hearts game last Saturday was a little bit of a drawback but, even in that game, I thought we played well and were unlucky to lose.

"I think we've found a way to cope with it and make up for not having as big a squad as other teams. I think we can cope with it again. It's similar to the last couple of seasons when we haven't brought in many players and have lost players, either with them leaving or with guys having long-term injuries, and we found ways to cope with it then.

"Obviously it will be a difficult task again this season, and maybe even a little bit more difficult, but I think we have the character and we have a squad that has been together quite some time now, so I think a lot of the guys know what it takes to win the championship and to do that extra bit to get the job done.

Hopefully well show that and finish the season strongly."

Tomorrow's Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final against Motherwell sees Rangers return to Hampden for the first time since they lifted the trophy in remarkable fashion last season, defeating St Mirren 1-0 in the final despite being reduced to nine men by the dismissals of Kevin Thomson and Danny Wilson. It was a performance which typified the spirit Edu feels will serve Rangers well again this season."That shows a trait that we've had throughout the club since I've been here," he added. "It was really highlighted that day, the resilience and the never-say-die attitude that we are never going to give up and will play to the last whistle regardless of how many men we have on the pitch, or regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

"Going down to nine men, I don't think anybody saw us winning that game but we became very compact defensively and scored a wonder goal. It's a day we all look back on with fond memories. It's right up there with any special days I've had. It's not often you go down to nine men and find a way to win, especially in a cup final. It's one that definitely stands out."

Since returning to the side this month following an injury absence, Edu has found his route to a regular starting place blocked by the admirable form of teenage midfielder Jamie Ness.

"It hasn't surprised me at all," said Edu, "because since I've been at Rangers, I've always thought Jamie was a top-quality player. He's been unlucky with injuries but I'm really happy for him that he is getting a chance now. He's a level-headed kid who works hard every day in training and has been gifted with great ability.

"I tell him in training every day to keep me out of the team, because that's his job now. It may sound funny and stupid on my part, but I want him to play well and do well for the team. It's my job to try and get back in and the competition for positions is a good thing.

"My own match fitness is getting there, I'm just trying to make the most of my minutes on the pitch. Hopefully I'll be involved at Hampden, it's a game we are looking forward to. The league cup is definitely important to us. We want to win as many trophies as possible, no matter that the competition is."

Meanwhile, Rangers announced last night that their squad has been further reduced in size after 22-year-old forward Rory Loy joined Carlisle for an undisclosed fee. Loy made two substitute appearances for Rangers, going out on loan to Dunfermline and St Mirren, and his contract was due to expire in the summer.