BELIEVING
game under Gerrard and his favoured formation isn’t clear yet but he admitted Flanagan’s versatility is a big plus.
He said: “Jon gives us options in the full-back area. He’ll fight for both the right and left-back positions. We had two out-andout right-backs last season and the concern was always if one got injured or suspended. We had to make sure there’s quality in those areas to cover.
“Our two attacking fullbacks 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.
“I’ve played with him as a right and left-back in a back four but also seen him do a job in a back three either side of the central guy.
“We’ll use different formations as the season goes on.
“I know he’s a winner and experienced in terms of playing in front of demanding crowds and atmospheres so it was a no brainer on a free contract.”
Flanagan’s former Liverpool team-mate Ovie Ejaria joined the squad earlier this week after signing on a season-long loan.
Gerrard said: “He’s an exciting player, very skilful. He’ll have the crowd on the edge of their seats and fits the profile that we were looking for in the midfield area.
“He’s six foot two, he’s rangy, leggy. He can win balls back and also drive at defences and make things happen. He gives us that nice blend in midfield and something different.”
Gerrard and his squad return to Scotland on Wednesday after completing a 10-day training camp. He said: “It’s been an excellent first week in Spain.
“The squad are in a good place and I’m delighted with the application and effort the lads have given. It’s been tough for them physically and mentally to do the work we’ve asked them to do in the heat and conditions.
“But we’ve had zero complaints and the lads have committed to it. In terms of where we are physically I’m really pleased and the messages are starting to drop.”