Maurice Edu, the former Rangers midfielder, is hopeful his decision to go on loan to Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union restores his love of football.

The American has agreed a one-year deal with Union, with an option to make the move permanent.

That would bring an end to his time at Barclays Premier League side Stoke City, where he has been since leaving Ibrox in 2012. It has so far proved unfulfilling for the 27-year-old as he has made just one first-team appearance.

He admitted yesterday that the loan back to the States has brought a sense of relief after such a miserable stay at the Brittania Stadium. "I feel like a little kid again," said Edu, who spent four years at Rangers. "It's a new experience and I just want to get back to enjoying the game."