Atlanta Soccer News: Art, Music and Culture: The Week Of My Life Mo Edu

Mon 18 Oct 2010

MAURICE EDU says he's ready for what he feels is one of the biggest weeks of his career to date with Rangers over the next few days.

Mo EduThe American international looks certain to start against both Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday then in the Old Firm derby at Celtic on Sunday.

Gers are in a fantastic position in their European group, having drawn at Manchester United on matchday one then beaten Bursaspor at Ibrox at the end of last month.

They're also in excellent form in the SPL, having won their first eight league games of the season for the first time since 1999.

But Edu knows there's no time to sit back and dwell on what has been achieved thus far because of the teams chasing the Light Blues both on the continent and at home.

If Valencia win at Ibrox, they'll move above Walter Smith's side in Group C while Celtic have matched the defending Scottish champions' start to the campaign.

Edu will continue to deputise for Lee McCulloch in midfield and he's optimistic it can be another good week for Rangers as they look to pull away from their rivals.

He said: "In terms club football, this is possibly one of the biggest weeks of my career so far.

"It's not often a Champions League game and an Old Firm game come in the same week but I'm looking forward to the two matches and everyone's excited.

"With Lee McCulloch being out injured it puts more onus on me in midfield but I'm up for that challenge.

"Having played a few games for USA recently and most of the games for Rangers this season, I feel like I'm ready for it.

Mo Edu in action against Bursaspor"It'll be a big test against Valencia but we'll all be up for it at Ibrox. We're in a good position in the Champions League and we want to keep that going.

"They're both important games for different reasons but Valencia is first so we'll focus on that immediately. When that's done our attention will turn to Celtic.

"I'm excited about Wednesday. The atmosphere was incredible when we beat Bursaspor but it could be even more special against Valencia.

"Our Champions League nights at Ibrox are a great spectacle and it's brilliant to be part of them.

"To get a win at the end of last month - something which we hadn't done in a while in Europe - was special and the fans enjoyed it.

"We want to do the same against Valencia. We know they'll be tough opponents because they're doing well in La Liga at the moment but we'll be ready for the challenge."

Edu knows how tough it will be to keep Rangers' good run going two days from now but he has high hopes they can continue to hit the heights.

Even though Smith's squad is a small one, there are plenty of men in it at the top of their game right now.

And with the likes of Kenny Miller, Steven Davis, Steven Naismith and David Weir all impressing again at the weekend, Edu has every right to be confident.

Mo EduHe added: "We need to be that way and you can't go into games counting yourself out before you kick-off.

"We're in a good position and it would be foolish to get too far ahead of ourselves but we have belief and know what we're capable of achieving.

"If we stick together and stay united, the potential's there for something special in the Champions League this season.

"I'm not sure if we're exceeding expectations. After pre-season, we felt pretty good and started the season confidently.

"I don't know if we've surpassed the goals we set ourselves but I know this is where we wanted to be.

"When the Champions League draw was made I know a lot of people counted us out. But with the squad we've got, I felt we could do something and we're on track."