Steven Gerrard says new Rangers signing Jon Flanagan will compete for two positions.
James Tavernier is not the only Rangers player who must fear for his place after Jon Flanagan’s arrival.
Manager Steven Gerrard has explained that Flanagan will be considered for the left-back position too, keeping Declan John on his toes.
Declan John signed permanently for Rangers at the end of 2017 from Cardiff, the first transfer made by former boss Graeme Murty.
Gerrard believes Flanagan will be an important option for the Gers and his desire to defend rather than bomb forward will give him greater tactical flexibility.
He told The Mail: “He’ll come and fight for both the right and left-back positions.
“If you look at our two attacking full-backs, they are very good at what they do but in certain games we’ll need to go a different way.
‘We can’t just attack and go gung-ho against every single team. Sometimes we’ll need to stiffen it up and go a bit safer and Jon gives us that option.”
Gerrard could put that to the test in their first two legged Europa League qualifier in July, and Flanagan will be desperate to play a part.
The Rangers boss’ desire to consider Flanagan for either full-back spot explains how he views James Tavernier will still have an important role to play this season, but both he and Declan John will have to improve the defensive side of their game in order to keep Flanagan out.
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