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MAURICE EDU has been warned to brace himself for the shock of his life.

St Johnstone's Collin Samuel reckons his old Toronto FC buddy won't know what's hit him if he's pitched into the Old Firm clash.

Trinidad and Tobago World Cup ace Samuel became close to the USA player during their time together in Canadian football.

Yesterday the Perth attacker and one-time Dundee United favourite said: "I know Maurice well. We were in the same condo in Toronto and we'd hang out together, going for lunch and talking football. But at that stage there wasn't much chat about Scottish football.

"Maurice is a lovely guy and he'll be a good asset for Rangers but it will be a huge culture shock and a real test for him in Scottish football.

"The football here is totally different to what he has been used to in the MLS. It is just so much more physical but he will want to get off to a good start because the transfer fee means Rangers fans' expectations will be high.

"I've already spoken with Maurice and it will be good to see him again. I know how much he was looking forward to joining Rangers and getting his international clearance.

"I really hope he will be a big success - he deserves it for being so ambitious. It's a great move for him. He's young but he's played internationals for the USA. I am sure he will be strong enough mentally to handle an Old Firm game if he goes straight into the Rangers squad.

"But the physical side will be a shock for him.

"Maurice has lots of energy and is the sort of player who makes forward runs to get into the box.

"If he does get a debut against Celtic I just hope he's ready for it. He knows it's a massive game but I genuinely believe he could handle it."