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10th Aug 2018

Jon Flanagan is already throwing himself about for Rangers

Patrick McCarry

The defender was signed by the Scottish side from Liverpool this summer.

One of the main things Steven Gerrard wants to bring to his Rangers side is some defensive steel.

The former Liverpool captain is two months into his first managerial gig and doing a decent job so far. Rangers may have started the Scottish Premiership season with a controversial draw but they are negotiating the early stages of the Europa League well.

The latest opponents for Gerrard’s men were Maribor and they claimed a 3-1 first leg win at Ibrox.

Scoring goals was not a major issue for Rangers last season but they leaked far too many down the end of the pitch. Gerrard has brought in four new defenders, including Flanagan and Brigton’s Connor Goldson. It has already paid dividends.

Flanagan was surplus to requirements at Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool but Gerrard did not hesitate in getting his old Reds teammate in for a spell. He has already played six games for his new side and the home support have been vocal in their support of a player that once had the nickname ‘Merseyside Cafu’.

The biggest impact Flanagan had in Rangers’ latest win, however, had little to do with Brazilian flair. Contesting a ball pumped up the sideline, Flanagan won his header and left his opponent in a bundle.

The Maribor bench were appalled at the aerial collision but Flanagan was not going to take their flak without biting back.

https://twitter.com/CoulibalyCartel/status/1027700442455789569

Not one F-bomb, but two.

That’s the sort of gusto that Rangers fans will no doubt be lapping up if Flanagan can stay injury free this season.

The second leg takes place next Thursday, August 16 with the Scots well positioned to march on.

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