JON FLANAGAN reckons his move to Rangers is a ‘fresh start’ as he looks to put a troubled spell on and off the park behind him this season.

The defender has become the seventh signing of the summer for boss Steven Gerrard after putting pen-to-paper with the Light Blues on Thursday.

Flanagan has been hindered by knee injuries in recent years and he was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend at Liverpool Magistrates Court in January. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was given a 12-month community order with 40 hours unpaid work.

But the former Anfield star is determined to make the most of his chance to impress under the guidance of Kop legend Gerrard.

Flanagan said: “I am delighted to be here. When I got the call from my agent and then spoke to Stevie, it was a no-brainer for me with the size of the club and what the fans are about. I am delighted to be here and hopefully I can show the fans what I am all about.

“I have played with him (Gerrard) at Liverpool for many years and he was a big part of coming here.

“Obviously I know all about the club and everything like that but Stevie was a massive influence in me coming here as well.

“I think I am a no-nonsense footballer. I keep it simple, I don’t mind a tackle and when the going gets tough I am mentally strong.

“I think I am different to the full-backs that we have got here so it will be exciting and a lot of competition for places.

“I think it is a fresh start and it is a platform for me to build on. The past is the past, it is now time for a fresh start and that is with Rangers and I can’t wait to get going.”

Flanagan has linked up with Gerrard’s squad at their training base in Spain after clinching a two-year deal with the Gers.

He could make his competitive debut in the Europa League qualifier with FK Shkupi next month and is confident he can make a positive impression at Ibrox.

Flanagan told RangersTV: “Europe is a big attraction as well. That’s an extra for us, an extra bonus for us to work hard, push on and get back into the European group stages.

“I think it’s a very exciting time for Rangers now. Obviously the new manager has come in and freshened things up.

“He has brought a lot of players in so I think it’s brilliant to be a Rangers fan just now and a Rangers player, obviously.

“I think there are good times ahead and hopefully we can push on now.

“We all know Liverpool is a massive club but Rangers is just as big. This club is massive.

“I have experienced that before and hopefully that will help in terms of coming here and bedding in well.”