Ibrox View: World Cup dream not yet over for Rangers star as int'l side struggles in goalless draw

Youssef Chermiti would have been disappointed to miss out on a maiden call-up for Portugal, but the Rangers striker still has a chance before the World Cup.

The 21-year-old has been inconsistent for much of this campaign for the Glasgow outfit, with his goals arriving in spurts rather than during a run of form.

However, after scoring important goals against Hearts and Celtic throughout February and March, the forward may have felt his chances of making the Portugal squad had increased.

Manager Roberto Martinez had left the door open previously by namedropping the Bears striker, but instead Chermiti is currently away with the under-21s squad.

Now, Chermiti could still have hope to make the final roster before this summer’s tournament after developments in the Portugal camp but must perform in Rangers’ final matches this season.

Why Youssef Chermiti still has a chance to make Portugal’s World Cup squad

The strikers selected above Chermiti have so far done little to warrant why they were selected by Martinez, which keeps the door ajar for the Rangers ace.

In their preparations for the World Cup, Portugal competed in a 0-0 draw against Mexico as their forwards misfired.

PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Toluca’s Paulinho were both handed minutes in the goalless tie, with neither truly impressing.

Despite playing 64 minutes, Ramos only managed 15 touches and missed a big chance for his nation. Meanwhile Paulinho only took six touches in his 26-minute cameo and had zero shots.

Overall, Martinez would have been hoping for more involvement from his number nines, and he may now be thinking about his options for the World Cup.

Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is still to come back into the squad, meaning one of the spots left for a centre-forward will be taken up in June.

However, with his fellow national’s struggles, Chermiti may still have a chance to make the squad if he starts hitting consistency in Scotland.

Especially after scoring for the under-21s this international break already.

Rangers and Chermiti’s title push could force Martinez’s World Cup hand

Chermiti was already handed motivation by Martinez with his comments after selecting his squad for this break, but that drive will only have increased now.

If the Rangers forward can catapult the G51 outfit to the Scottish Premiership title with his goals, then that run of form before the World Cup would be hard to ignore.

Although Ramos may be playing in a league of higher quality, such as Ligue 1, the PSG forward remains a squad player with 10 starts in the league for the Parisian outfit.

With a tournament such as the World Cup and with few games to play yourself into form, selecting players already full of confidence is crucial.

Chermiti must now seize this chance and prove himself with the door wide open.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.