Steven Gerrard raves about Rangers’ Jon Flanagan

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Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers signed one of the “good guys” in Jon Flanagan, says Steven Gerrard.

By virtue of the fact that Jon Flanagan has started all four of Rangers’ competitive games this season, you could say he has won over manager Steven Gerrard already.

The 25-year-old defender, who played alongside Gerrard at Liverpool, was snapped up by the legendary midfielder upon his release by the Reds earlier in the summer.

And going by Gerrard’s comments, Flanagan has also won over the hearts of his fellow team-mates at Ibrox.

The Liverpudlian has started all of the Gers’ Europa League qualifiers so far and looks set to retain his spot in the first XI when Rangers visit Aberdeen this afternoon for a tricky Premiership opener at Pittodrie.

Gerrard was around to see him break into the senior set-up at Anfield back in 2010 and the 38-year-old claims that Flanagan – one of 10 new signings this summer – has his “mojo” back since heading North of the border.

He told Herald Scotland: “What I’ve seen from Jon since he’s walked through the door is that he has his mojo back. He has the consistency that he had at Liverpool back. His smile is back and he’s enjoying his football.

“He has settled into the dressing room like a duck to water. The players love him. He’s that type of character, very infectious.

“He’s done what we expected. We brought him here to be solid. He is a competitor. Positionally, he is exactly where you want him to be. And he’s one of the good guys – when the going gets tough he will stand up for you.”

Flanagan has certainly endeared himself to Gerrard and Rangers fans so far, but the Premiership is a different kettle of fish in comparison to Europa League outings against obscure opponents on the continent.

This afternoon’s trip to Pittodrie will be a major test for him and indeed every Blues player – and of course Gerrard, who takes charge of his first-ever league game as a manager – but a solid showing will set him up well for a good season.