'We are looking' - National team manager admits Rangers ace is on his radar for World Cup

Youssef Chermiti’s remarkable rise at Rangers could lead to international stardom at the World Cup.

Chermiti was the hero as he notched a double in Rangers‘ 2-2 draw with Celtic on 1 March, including a stunning overhead kick to open the scoring.

Playing for his national team at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico would have been a pipedream when he moved to Ibrox.

However, it now looks like a genuine possibility after his remarkable form for Danny Rohl‘s side, with Roberto Martinez making a new admission.

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

What did Martinez say about Chermiti?

Martinez confirmed that the 21-year-old is one of four young players that he is keeping an eye on ahead of the competition.

In quotes reported by the Scottish Sun, the former Everton and Wigan Athletic boss, said: “It’s important to keep the door open to new talent in the national team.

“In that respect, we are looking at Francisco Conceicao, Rodrigo Mora and Fabio Silva. Youssef Chermiti at Rangers is another player who is doing well.

“Each player’s current form is important, but their contribution across a whole season should not be forgotten.”

It would top a stunning career resurrection for Chermiti, who failed to score a senior goal with Everton before moving to Govan.

• Read More: Ally McCoist reveals what Youssef Chermiti has to do to win him over at Rangers – ‘Let’s not get carried away’

Why Chermiti will back himself to make the Portugal squad

Chermiti has been the go-to man in big games for Rohl, with the brace in the Old Firm just the latest example of his ability to pop up with crucial goals.

He also scored a hat-trick against Hearts on 15 February, to put the Gers firmly in the Scottish Premiership title picture.

The Portugal Under-21 ace had previously scored a brace in a 3-1 win over the Hoops in January, and has nine goals in 31 total appearances for the Light Blues.

If he continues his form until the end of the season, he may well land himself a spot on the plane, because Martinez will want someone who performs on the biggest stage.

Many observers slammed his signature, and Kevin Thelwell ultimately paid with his job, but Chermiti looks like he is coming good, and if he makes the national team for the tournament, it will be a huge step in his development.

Gers fans will hope and pray that he can, because if he does make the squad, it will likely mean that his goals have fired them to the championship in May.

Then they will surely cheer him on with his country, unless they come up against Scotland at any point.

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