Fans groups launched a stinging attack on chairman Sir David Murray last week following revelations that at least one star player could be sold in the January transfer window in a bid to balance the books.

Some sections of the support are furious at plans to off-load key personnel at a time when Rangers are trailing Celtic in the SPL, with an offer from Birmingham for leading goalscorer Kris Boyd accepted earlier this month.

So far, dissent from the stands has been directed at the Ibrox hierarchy, rather than the players, but Edu called for supporters to throw their backing behind the whole club.

"It's unexpected," he said of the criticism. "But, at the same time, I guess it shows the fans' passion. They want the best for the club.

"But you have to look at the fact that we were seven points behind Celtic and now we are two points behind so we are sitting in a pretty good position.

"There are still a lot of games left this season and the team is confident.

"It's important that the fans get behind us and encourage us and support us because we are going to need their support in this final stretch.

"I think there is more passion here than back home so the criticism is going to be a little bit more harsh, they are going to be a little bit more critical of things.

"It's part of the game and you just have to have a thick skin and get on with the game."

Boyd's proposed move to Birmingham collapsed over personal terms but his Ibrox future - along with the likes of skipper Barry Ferguson and goalkeeper Allan McGregor - is far from certain while the window remains open.

"That's how the game goes," added Edu. "In an ideal world, we would like to keep everyone here.

"Everyone gets on with each other in the dressing room, we enjoy having everyone here and everyone has a role to play in this team.

"But, at the same time, there are some things that are out of our hands. We are just focusing on doing the business on the field and catching Celtic and trying to win the league."

Expectations were high for Edu following his £2.7million move from Toronto FC in the summer but he has featured in just a handful of games so far.

Now fully fit following a spell on the sidelines through injury, he is determined to use the second half of the season to force his way into Walter Smith's plans.

He said: "Every footballer wants to play, it's your job, that's what you do.

"When you're not playing, you can let it get you down or you can use it as motivation and keep working harder.

"Recently, I've been getting a lot of encouragement from the coaches, which has motivated me.

"I've been hampered by the injury and that's been the most frustrating part, not being able to train at all and sitting watching the team play and knowing you can't do anything about it.

"But now that I'm healthy again, my focus is just to keep working hard in the training and get on the pitch.

"We have a lot of games coming up and I just want to play my part and get in there and help out."

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old is relishing the prospect of facing David Beckham again when AC Milan come calling in a glamour friendly at Ibrox on February 4.

He played against the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star in the MLS and believes he still has plenty to offer at the top level.

"I think he is still a great player," said Edu.

"I think the fact that he's gone to the MLS meant that some people expected him to drop off but he has done well.

"He has still been able to be part of the England squad and do well when he plays with them.

"I don't think the standard there is as bad as people perceive and him being over there and being an ambassador for the game is definitely helping the league progress and move forward."