WALTER SMITH believes Maurice Edu can handle the pressure of his Old Firm debut if chosen to play for Rangers against Celtic at Ibrox on Saturday.

The manager is set to name Edu in his line-up as Rangers bid to land the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.

It is a huge ask for Edu. However, the £2.6m American's manager has been impressed how he has coped since taking over from axed skipper Barry Ferguson.

Edu has helped Rangers win league games against Falkirk, St Mirren, Motherwell, Hibs and Hearts in what has been their best run of form during the campaign.

The player also starred alongside Pedro Mendes and Steven Davis at Hampden as Rangers romped to success over the Buddies in a Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final.

Smith said: "We have been on a good run, as have Celtic. It is all about how you play on the day.

"There is a level of tension that you have to handle and I'm sure on the day we will."

Speaking in the Rangers News, the manager added: "Maurice is a young player, but he is quite mature and if asked to play I'm sure he will handle it."