JON FLANAGAN is set to become Steven Gerrard’s seventh signing at Rangers after successfully completing a medical.
The 25-year-old will join the Ibrox side’s training camp in Spain as they gear up for their Europa League first round qualifier on July 25.
He was released by Liverpool at the end of last season.
The signing of Flanagan has divided fans, with many unhappy that a player with his history is being considered by the club.
The full-back was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend on a night out last Christmas, and was give a 12 month community order.
The attack, captured on CCTV, saw him push his partner into a wall twice before aiming a kick at her body.
Liverpool condemned their player’s behaviour but he avoided instant dismissal as the club felt they had to help him rehabilitate and that he had shown remorse.
When questioned on Flanagan’s history yesterday, Rangers assistant Gary McAllister said: “It was unacceptable, most definitely.
“I have a little bit of an in because I worked at Liverpool but it was unacceptable and a really poor decision that he made in that episode. But, he deserves a second chance.
“He showed remorse, he put his hand up and has taken his punishment. He wants to get on with his life and his football life.
“I haven’t worked with him directly but I know him from my time at Liverpool. Great lad, very approachable man, extremely hard working.
“He’s tough, unassuming, he is an old school full-back that can play either side, he can play two in a back four, three of a back five, a back three, so he is versatile.
“But the big thing is that we know him, we know his character and we think he can deal with 50,000. The expectation here is exactly the same as Liverpool.
“Dealing with those expectations and the crowd is something we know he can cope with.”
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