Flanagan is playing the waiting game to get another chance
His manager has told him he must scrap his way to a new Rangers contract.
And Jon Flanagan is ready to come out swinging to prove his worth to Steven Gerrard.
Flanagan was namechecked by the Gers gaffer as a star performer during his run at left-back early this season.
But since undergoing a hernia operation in September, the former Liverpool star has been on a watching brief.
Having recovered from injury, the form of first-pick fullbacks Borna Barisic and James Tavernier has stood between Flanagan and top-team action.
But the 26-year-old, whose Ibrox deal expires in the summer, is determined to show his quality over the hectic run of festive season fixtures – and earn himself an extended stay.
“I’m definitely ready to fight to stay at Rangers,” said Flanagan.
“I’m always up for a fight, whether it’s at right-back or leftback, I’m willing to fight.
“I’ve just got to keep working hard and when you’re given the opportunity, you’ve got to go and perform to the level that the lads are doing now, if not better.
“There could be opportunities in December because there’s a lot of game time between now and the winter break.
“There are going to be changes made, so I’ve just got to take that opportunity when I get put in.”
Having been a team-mate of his current manager at Liverpool, Flanagan perhaps knows Gerrard better than most in the Ibrox dressing room.
There will be no old pals’ act as far as a potential new contract is concerned.
Nevertheless, Flanagan knows he will never be left in the dark.
“He’ll give you a straight answer,” said Flanagan of Gerrard.
“I’ve known him a long time now, and that’s certainly the case with me.
“If I ever need anything, I’ll go and see him, and if he ever needs to talk to me about something, he’ll do it openly and honestly.
“We were friends as team-mates, but it’s different now. Things have changed a bit, but we still have a good relationship.”
That historic connection has been valuable as Flanagan has recovered from surgery.
But now the only thing on his mind is the future.
“It has been difficult this season,” said Flanagan.
“I obviously played the first part of the season and then I got the injury. It has been frustrating, but that is football at the end of the day.
“I have probably been back for a month-and-a-half now and I’m up to speed now. I am feeling good, and ready to show what I can do.” ▪ BLOW FOR YOUNG BOYS AHEAD OF IBROX VISIT