soccer

Chermiti must work on 'consistency' to become top Rangers striker

He may be the man for the big occasion, but Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti still has work to do if he is to be considered a top striker, according to former Celtic full-back Jackie McNamara.

The much-maligned striker scored two goals in Rangers' Old Firm victory back in January, and added to his tally with a hat-trick in the crunch match over Hearts on Sunday.

The former Everton man still has just seven goals in his debut campaign, and now faces competition for a starting spot with new signing Ryan Naderi.

"The biggest thing is consistency," McNamara said. "Has he got attributes? Yeah, he can move, he's physical, he's good in the air.

"Technically, he's not brilliant, but he scores a hat-trick, and he looked world-class against Celtic in the second half.

"If you're going to lead the line for Rangers, you've got to have that every game."

However, Cyriel Dessers - a striker who was often criticised yet had an outstanding goal record for Rangers - only struck eight goals in his opening 19 league matches, a goal more than Chermiti after the same number of appearances.

"You've got have that consistency," the former Dundee United boss added. "You've got to be on the end of everything and be able to finish.

"What's his reaction to the hat-trick now? Again, strikers are all about confidence, but for him it has to be some kind of consistency there."

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