MAURICE EDU has backed fellow Americans Carlos Bocanegra and Alejandro Bedoya to play leading roles for Rangers next season.

The US international is currently preparing for Saturday's friendly against Scotland in Florida alongside defender Bocanegra.

And Edu is convinced his compatriots, who both signed three-year deals last year, will stay with the crisis-hit Ibrox club beyond the summer.

Former Fulham centre-back Bocanegra captained Rangers in the absence of Steven Davis in the latter stages of the season after impressing throughout the campaign.

Winger Bedoya, 25, only made six starts after signing from Swedish side Orebro but Edu is convinced he will come good.

Edu told the club's official website: "I think Carlos has been a rock for us at the back. He has to be up there as one of our players of the season.

"Ale has been unfortunate. He didn't play as often as he would have liked and he struggled with a few injuries but I'm sure next season he will take his chance and make the most of it.

"I think you could see in the last few games of the season what he is capable of and I think the fans are excited by the energy and his hard work.

"Carlos talked to me a lot before he came but having played in England before he knew about Rangers because they are a massive club.

"I think coming to a club like this you are always excited and I feel he has learned a lot about it. It's a real family club and he feels part of it.

"I would see no reason why he wouldn't be excited to stay."