We needed to put statement out there.. it’s a massive win
Defender Flanagan thrilled as Rangers deliver thumping victory over Saints just hours after bitter rivals suffer shock defeat at Rugby Park
JON FLANAGAN feels Rangers made a huge statement with their five-star show against St Johnstone that saw them leapfrog Celtic in the table.
Steven Gerrard’s side trailed the Hoops by four points after an Old Firm derby defeat at the start of the month but have turned the tables on their rivals after just two league games since.
Rangers took to the field at Ibrox half an hour after the full-time whistle had sounded on Celtic’s 2-1 defeat at Rugby Park.
And Flanagan believes they sent out a message with the 5-1 romp against Tommy Wright’s Saints.
Skipper James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield, Kyle Lafferty and Daniel Candeias all got on the scoresheet in a sizzling display to send Rangers second top of the Premiership, ahead of Hibs on goal difference.
Former Liverpool full-back Flanagan – back in the team after serving a Europa League suspension in the 2-2 draw in Villarreal – said: “We needed to put a statement out there and needed to pick up the three points.
“It is a massive result and all the lads knew before the game that it was very important coming off the back of Villarreal.
“There were a few updates from the Celtic game although it was still going on before we went out for the warm-up.
“Some of us didn’t know the score so to come in after the game and find out they had lost was great.
“But we can’t control what they do. We just want to keep picking up points and see where it takes us. Our main aim was to get the win on the board.
“Everyone is delighted, especially on the back of Thursday against Villarreal. From the off we were ruthless.
“The manager said before the game to be ruthless and not to give them a break. We got our first two goals before half-time and after the break he told us to keep our foot on the gas.
“We just kept going and we could have scored a few more. The quality of the goals was also pleasing. We have been working hard on our little combinations in training and that showed in the game.
“The manager wants us to believe. He has instilled that in us and has urged us to keep going.”
Rangers have now lost just once – that 1-0 derby defeat at Parkhead – in 16 games in all competitions and face Ayr at home on Wednesday in the Betfred Cup quarter -final.
Flanagan knows he must be ready when called upon as Gerrard utilises his squad while they are challenging on four fronts.
The versatile 25-year-old has is in competition with Borna Barisic – out injured yesterday – for the left-back spot and skipper Tavernier for the right-back role.
He said: “We have got two players for every position now and it is healthy competition.
“You are always going to have a battle on your hands but it is good for the team and rotation is good to keep the legs fresh.
“It is going to benefit the lads. You have got to keep your head up and when your chance comes you have to be ready. It is a long season and everyone is going to be needed.”
Flanagan has been reunited with his former Anfield team-mate Ryan Kent and the winger was again in sparkling form against Saints.
Gerrard singled out Kent for praise after he grabbed his first goal in the win over Dundee in the previous league game and he was denied by the crossbar yesterday, with Arfield netting from the rebound.
Flanagan spent three years with Kent on Merseyside and said: “He has been brilliant since he has come in. I have seen the talent that he is and he was unlucky not to get a goal today.
“He is going to be massive for us this season. It is a long season and he is going to be needed.”
Rangers are odds-on to beat Ian McCall’s Championship leaders and book a place in the semi-final of the first domestic cup competition of the season.
And Flanagan insists boss Gerrard will ensure his players are raring to go.
He said: “We will go again on Wednesday. We will come in, recover and go again.
“He has instilled the belief in us, so we will be ready.”
To come in after the game and find out they had lost was great JON FLANAGAN