View: Rangers star handed added incentive to end woeful record amid latest developments

Youssef Chermiti has good reason to be at his best for the rest of the season.

Typically, when a striker scores an overhead kick in an Old Firm derby, it would be the talking point in Scotland for the next week.

However, after another controversial VAR decision, the refereeing was instead the main focus after Rangers drew 2-2 at home to Celtic.

Nevertheless, Chermiti‘s performance certainly didn’t go unnoticed as he bagged his ninth goal of the season for the Gers.

But his brace at Ibrox exposed a rather poor record that he has obtained this season, and he has now been given even more reason to change that.

• Read More: Michael Stewart reveals when he will admit he was wrong about Youssef Chermiti and Rangers

Youssef Chermiti must address Rangers form away from Celtic and Hearts

To have scored nine goals after such a poor start to the season is certainly an achievement for Chermiti, and he deserves credit for that.

However, eight of those goals have come against Hearts and Celtic, with the 21-year-old having scored just once in encounters away from that.

But it’s not just his goals; his all-round performances against any other side this season have been far inferior to those against their title rivals, and that is demonstrated emphatically by his Sofascore graphic below.

If Rangers are to claw back the gap from Hearts and win their first league title since Steven Gerrard was in charge, they simply need Chermiti to replicate the form he showcased in the latest Old Firm across the rest of the campaign.

And if he were to do so, there is a worthwhile reward waiting for him at the end of the season.

• Read more: Roberto Martinez ‘keeps the door open’ for Rangers hero Youssef Chermiti to star at the World Cup

Rangers won’t be the only ones to benefit from Chermiti turnaround

It was reported this week that Chermiti is already being eyed up for a potential call-up to the Portugal squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Unfortunately for him, he would not have the chance to play against Hearts or Celtic at the competition, showcasing the need for him to improve his game in perhaps lesser encounters.

The Rangers forward is one of several strikers being monitored ahead of Roberto Martinez’s squad decision, which is almost certainly going to factor in recent form.

If Chermiti can showcase the clinical finishing that was on display at Ibrox more consistently, then there is no reason why he would miss out on a chance to represent his country.

For more on Rangers, follow Football Insider for the latest news and reaction.

The post View: Rangers star handed added incentive to end woeful record amid latest developments appeared first on Ibrox News.