Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti set his sights on winning the league title after his Old Firm derby double.
Chermiti scored twice in the second half as Rangers fought back from a goal down to beat rivals Celtic at Parkhead.
A much-maligned figure since his £8million move from Everton in the summer, the 21-year-old Portuguese forward was the hero yesterday.
The victory moves Danny Rohl’s side level on points with Celtic and underlines their credentials as serious contenders in this season’s title race.
Asked whether Rangers winning the title is possible, Chermiti said: ‘Yes. Why do I believe it? The quality of the team.
‘The quality of the team and what we can do. If we keep going like this, we’re going to feel confident in the title, of course.
Youssef Chermiti celebrates with Dujon Sterling after hauling Rangers level at Celtic Park
The much-maligned star was in the right place at the right time to claim his third of the season
Chermiti looks to the heavens after scoring his second goal of a memorable afternoon
‘I’m feeling very good now. Of course, to score against your rivals in a derby is always good. It’s my first time, so yeah, it’s very good.
‘I think we’ve been doing well. We didn’t start the season as we would like, but now I think we’re getting better.’
Prior to this match, Chermiti had only scored two goals in senior football, both of which came earlier this season.
He doubled his career tally to four goals on an afternoon where Rangers pounced in a ruthless second half as Celtic imploded once again under Wilfried Nancy.
Chermiti’s performances were nowhere near good enough when he arrived at Rangers and he looked burdened by the hefty transfer fee. But there has been a significant improvement over recent weeks and he is now starting to look like a confident figure who can lead the line in the manner of a true striker.
His name was ringing out as fans sounded their appreciation and he feels he is now benefiting from a growing connection.
‘Since I played football, I’m always hungry, I always want to get more goals,’ he said. ‘My target is always to go forward, to always look forward.
Chermiti keeps his composure to send a cute finish beyond Schmeichel and put his side ahead
‘But this is what I work for, this is what I dream for. Playing for Rangers is a pressure, but playing for a big club, I love that.
‘I don’t really take that criticism personally. It’s normal at a big club like this. Fans always want the best.
‘Sometimes fans give you hate, sometimes they give you love. It’s normal in football.
‘I think now I’m getting more confident, I’m getting more involved in the team. Everyone is helping me on the club, my team-mates.
‘I’ve not been out playing much for two years, so now I’m getting fit and I think I can give more like today.
‘I think it’s about confidence. The manager has been very good for me, he’s been helping me. He tries to protect me every time, tries to help me every day, correct me, teach me. A lot of stuff, so yeah, I think he’s been very good.’
Rangers boss Rohl praised the resilience of his players for the manner of their comeback in the second half.
‘It was fantastic,’ said the German. ‘I think for us it was a perfect game for a story. I think to come back after being 1-0 down is not easy.
‘In the first half, the opponent deserved to be in the lead. We were not aggressive enough in the 50-50 duels, but the second half was much different.
‘We were incredible. And then the second story, of course, with Yousef, who scored. I think this is what we want to see. So big respect to my group of players.
‘Now we have three wins in a row against difficult opponents, which is not easy. But I love to see at the moment my group is growing, on the pitch and off the pitch, and the belief is there.
‘I look back to my first game in Bergen, how it was there, I think it was a difficult moment, now we have two and a half months later, a completely different moment.
Rangers manager Danny Rohl performed a tactical masterstroke with his half-time substitution
Rohl insists good things lie ahead for Chermiti if he continues to work hard in the coming weeks
‘But I know as well we are a demanding club, and it’s not about enjoying it too long, it’s about the next game.
‘I’m hungry for more, my group is hungry for more, and let’s continue our way, and we have a great second half of the season.’
On the performance of Chermiti, Rohl added: ‘This will give him more and more belief.
‘I think I saw from the beginning something in him, but it was more ups and downs, and now it’s about consistency.
‘He has to work hard for the group, he needs the right situations. I think good goals today, different goals, I think this is also key.
‘When you look to him, let’s continue, I think this is for me crucial.’
