MAURICE JOHNSTON has revealed how he plucked Ibrox new boy Maurice Edu from the college fields of Maryland only 18 months ago.

But the former Rangers and Celtic striker now expects his prodigy to become a big hit in the SPL after completing his £2.7million move from Major League Soccer side Toronto FC, subject to a work permit being granted.

Johnston has no doubt that his namesake has the mentality needed to cut it at Gers and prove Ibrox gaffer Walter Smith was right to hand him a five-year deal.

And the former Scotland goal machine reckons Edu has the steel to needed to toughen up the Gers midfield, and allow new play-maker Pedro Mendes to pull the midfield strings, while he provides comprehensive midfield cover.

Johnston said: "This young kid was at Maryland College just 18 months back and then was voted young player of the year in the MLS last season.

"He then graduated into the national USA team and played in the Olympics and now he has been transferred to Rangers.

"So it has all been very quick for Mo.

"But Mo will adapt in no time, he is a very bright young kid. Yeah, he will be nervous but he will probably take it in his stride because he is that kind of kid. Things don't bother him and Mo will just get on with it.

"But I am very excited for Mo. He is an exciting prospect, in fact one of the best in the MLS. His departure certainly leaves us with a big hole in our midfield."

Gers boss Smith approached Johnston for recommendations on players in the MLS last year. And Johnston immediately highlighted the California-born star as a standout.

But it has only been in the last week that the move has gathered momentum. Edu flew in to Glasgow and watched Saturday's Ibrox victory over Hearts before securing his dream move.

He then jetted back across the Atlantic with DaMarcus Beasley to join the USA's national squad for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier in Guatemala.

And Johnston revealed: "Rangers have been interested in him for a year now.

"Walter approached the MLS last season and was told no, but Walter had him watched in the Olympics and playing for Toronto and have done due diligence on Mo. Fortunately it has worked out very well for him."

And Mo has no doubt that the powerful six-footer has all the physical attributes needed to make a real impact in a variety of roles for Rangers.

Johnston, Toronto Director of Football, said: "Walter is getting a young kid at 22 who can play in several positions. Mo can play right-back, centre-back and defensive midfielder which is his best position and he is very strong.

"He's 6ft 1in, he is not shy of a tackle and he can run for 90 minutes. That is very important in this day and age.

"Normally he plays in a holding midfield role but Mo has also been used successfully as a full-back on either side and turned out as a central defender for the USA during the Olympics just there without any major problems."

Johnston added: "It's up to Walter where he uses Maurice at Rangers, but I presume it will be in midfield where he can certainly learn further from the likes of Pedro Mendes and Barry Ferguson.

"But if he is stuck at the back, Walter can also be sure that Mo will not let him down.

"Edu isn't quite the finished article, by any means, but the lad laps up information and with experience can only become an even better player during his time in Scotland.

"He is totally focused on playing football."

And Johnston is confident that his American namesake can slot straight into a new look midfield that will likely be made up of Mendes and Steven Davis.

He added: "I think Mo would be a very good foil for Mendes. Of course, when Barry Ferguson gets back, he would also dovetail well with him.

"Mo is a guy who can sit right in the pocket and break up play and that is even if the ball is being moved very quickly. He can also go goal-to-goal as well.

"Walter has given him a five- year contract and I would be very surprised if he is not regarded as a superstar and a real hero by the fans at the end of his time at the club."