Charlie Nicholas hails midfielder John Fleck’s transformation since leaving Rangers

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Former Celtic midfielder Charlie Nicholas has praised the way Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck has transformed his career since leaving Rangers.

Nicholas told Sky Sports Fleck lost his way at Ibrox but he is now a key part of Chris Wilder’s midfield as he seeks to push the Blades into Europe.

He said: “I remember John Fleck at Rangers and he was drifting. He ended up at Coventry and few thought he was going to be as good as what he is now, but it tells you how people can find a way in football with a style and play that suits them.”

TBR’s View – Financial issues cost Rangers the chance to develop Fleck

BBC reported back in 2012 that Fleck refused to transfer his contract over to newco, making himself a free agent to move to Coventry and kickstart his career.

It was a tricky road back for Rangers and with hindsight, being powerless to stop Fleck from leaving has proved to be one of the biggest disadvantages.

Steven Gerrard would love to have a player with Fleck’s technical quality and battling spirit in his midfield now – even though he’s not short on options – and Fleck has elevated himself to become a player capable of dictating games in the English top flight since leaving.

That said, perhaps it suited him to drop down into the EFL to play away from the pressure of Ibrox for a while as he found his feet as a young player before building his career up to where it is now.