Rangers defender Jon Flanagan might not always be the flavour of the month with the club’s supporters, but the former England international “would love” to stay at Ibrox.
Coming in for injured captain James Tavernier at right-full-back in the 1-0 win over St. Mirren, Flanagan came under criticism from Rangers fans for lacking the effectiveness of Tavernier.
Flanno is never going to give you the athletic dynamism of Rangers first-teamer Tav but that doesn’t mean the former Liverpool star has nothing to offer.
“It felt good to be back in the team – good to be back starting a game and great to be back on the pitch,” said Flanagan [Herald].
“It’s not been difficult to keep myself motivated. Definitely not. You always have to be ready. Things can happen and you see the freak accident with James.
“We have a big squad and everyone is waiting in the wings just in case.
“Is it a big six months with my contract situation? Definitely.
“The manager just tells me to go and do what I do every time I play, so I am giving 100 per cent whenever I get on the pitch.
“I would love to be here beyond the summer. It’s a great club with great fans. Everything about it is great, so I would love to be here.”
Whilst Rangers fans might’ve had an issue with Flanagan’s performance against St. Mirren on Wednesday night, Steven Gerrard certainly never.
Gerrard praised Flanagan alongside the entire Rangers defence as the Ibrox club managed their fifth clean sheet in six games.
Describing the full-back as “steady” Steven Gerrard’s comments on Jon Flanagan suggest the defender will retain his place against Hearts.
Who knows, a solid performance at Tynecastle and Flanagan may well be on his way to earning a contract extension at Ibrox.
