Flanagan: We sent out statement with Saints thrashing
JON FLANAGAN reckons Rangers put out a statement of intent with a 5-1 victory over St Johnstone that moved them up to second in the Premiership.
Steven Gerrard’s side leapfrogged Old Firm rivals Celtic as they capitalised on their shock defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park and ran out impressive winners at Ibrox, writes Chris Jack.
The Light Blues were four points adrift of Brendan Rodgers’ side after the first derby clash of the campaign at the start of the month but are now only behind Hearts in the standings.
Flanagan said: “Our main aim was to get the win on the board. We can’t control what they do.
“We just want to keep picking up points and see where it takes us.
“There was a few updates although the game 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 got beat was great.
“The manager wants us to believe. He has instilled that and has urged us to keep going.
“Our main aim is to keep picking up three points and do as well in the cups as possible.
“I think [this result was a statement], yeah. I think we all knew we had to put on a good performance today and we showed that.”
Rangers turned in a superb showing as James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield, Kyle Lafferty and Daniel Candeias found the net.
And Flanagan reckons the mentality of boss Gerrard shone through as the Gers followed up their Europa League efforts with a crucial three points.
Flanagan said: “The manager said before the game to be ruthless and not to give them a break.
“We got our first two goals before halftime and after the break he told us to keep our foot on the gas. We just kept going and I think 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 I think that showed.”
The Saints clash gave Flanagan a chance to come back into the starting line-up as he replaced Borna Barisic at left-back.
And the former Liverpool defender reckons the competition for places within Gerrard’s squad can only be a positive.
He said: “I think we have got two players for every position now and it is healthy competition. You are always going to have a battle but it is good for the team and rotation is good to keep the legs fresh.”