HEAD FOR BIG HEIGHTS

Chermiti has the mental toughness to shrug off flak and be a Gers winner

- SCOTT MCDERMOTT

YOUSSEF CHERMITI has never lacked the physical attributes to become a truly top striker.

But it's his mental strength that really sets him apart according to one of his Everton mentors.

And the 21-year-old Portuguese striker has needed it in abundance during his first season at Rangers.

Chermiti was an Ibrox hero on Sunday when he scored a sensational hat-trick against Hearts as Danny Rohl's side won 4-2 to move within two points of the league leaders.

Chermiti’s display - and the adulation from the crowd - was in stark contrast to just four days previously at Fir Park.

In a 1-1 draw against Motherwell, he missed a gilt-edged chance to put Rangers 2-0 up in the game.

His lack of goals since an £8million move from Everton in the summer has piled pressure on his shoulders.

He’s failed to hit double figures yet - despite the fact he’s turned up in big games against Celtic and Hearts, scoring five times in total against Gers title rivals.

But Dan Micciche isn’t surprised by Chermiti’s sheer resilience.

As Everton's former head of elite player development, he worked closely with the forward following his arrival on Merseyside from Sporting Lisbon in summer 2023 in a deal potentially worth £14m.

He said: “What I really liked about Youssef was his mentality.

“He wanted to work and learn. He’ a very polite boy, very humble.

“He had a lot of potential which was the key to Rangers getting him. I think they're reaping the rewards now for all the work he put in.

“I’m not surprised that he hasn't let criticism affect him.