Flanagan becomes Rangers seventh new recruit this summer.
Lee McCulloch has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he believes the signing of former Liverpool star Jon Flanagan could turn out to be a gem for Rangers – and reckons he could combine with James Tavernier.
Flanagan, 25, has signed a two-year deal with Rangers after being allowed to leave Liverpool on a free, a year before his contract with Jurgen Klopp’s men expired.
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The right-back becomes Steven Gerrard’s seventh signing with the Gers, joining Allan McGregor, Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic, Scott Arfield, Ovie Ejaria and Jamie Murphy in moving to Ibrox.
He is expected to rival 26-year-old Tavernier at right-back but McCulloch reckons Tavernier could be pushed into midfield to make way for Flanagan, who last played on loan at Bolton. Ex-Gers captain McCulloch reckons he will be an excellent signing.
“This is Scottish football. For a team to do well they have to be physical and also fit. It’s been interesting to read Gerrard’s comments about these issue which he has, rightly, addressed,” McCulloch said.
“One player who brings both these attributes is Jon Flanagan who I believe will be a superb signing. Flanagan has a lot to prove, a lot to make up for, and might turn out to be a gem of a signing.
“I can actually see both Flanagan and Tavernier starting, with Tavernier playing in a more forward role. That would work in a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 – there are actually a few alternatives – and while they are both right-backs could compliment one another.”
One-time England international Flanagan brings decent experience from the Premier League with him, making 46 top-flight appearances for Liverpool and during a loan spell at Burnley.
He will now be hoping to get his career back on tract at Ibrox, after reuniting with former Liverpool captain Gerrard. The Gers return to competitive action in around three weeks’ time, when they face FK Shkupi in the Europa League on July 12.
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