Michael Stewart hits back at Rangers fans after complaints over Youssef Chermiti comments on BBC.

Youssef Chermiti had the biggest day of his Rangers career so far on Sunday, scoring a hat-trick against Hearts.

Rangers welcomed the league leaders to Ibrox with everything to play for, as Danny Rohl’s team attempted to close the margin at the top to just two points.

And they did it, with Portuguese attacker Chermitine scoring three goals in a 4-2 victory.

The 21-year-old has battled to find form in Govan, with his treble last time out bringing his league tally to seven goals.

Despite his outstanding performance at Ibrox, former Hearts player Michael Stewart remains unimpressed by Chermiti and has since retaliated against Rangers supporters who were dissatisfied with his comments on the striker when speaking to BBC Sportscene after Sunday’s match.

Michael Stewart stands by Chermiti comments after Hearts hat-trick

Rangers led 3-2 heading into the closing moments at Ibrox, and Chermiti capped a wonderful afternoon with a superb counter-attacking goal.

“I was asked a question, regardless of whether he had a hat-trick against Hearts.

I was straightforward: Do I believe he will develop into a top striker? No.But that is my honest opinion.

Chermiti will join Everton from Sporting in 2023, having made 22 appearances for the Toffees before joining Rangers for £8 million last summer.

Youssef Chermiti still has a part to play in Rangers title charge

Chermiti’s confidence has been a major concern during his time at Ibrox, as he has struggled to reach the back of the net consistently, failing to score outside of the Scottish Premiership.

His performance against Hearts was a statement, and there isn’t much greater one he could have made as he enters a crucial moment, as indicated in the Sofascore image below.

Rangers needed all three points against Hearts to keep their title hopes alive after surrendering points to Motherwell before Sunday’s match at Ibrox. They delivered in style, with Chermiti at the center of things.

The goal for Rohl’s side going forward is that the 21-year-old can use this as a true springboard, especially with a massive Old Firm double header arriving in the coming weeks, with the Glasgow heavyweights facing off in both the league and cup.

If there is a time for Chermiti to start delivering regularly in a Rangers jersey, it is now, with the first title in 2021 possibly on the horizon.

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