Rangers told summer flop has ‘all the attributes to be successful’

Former Rangers striker Duncan Ferguson believes that Youssef Chermiti has “all the attributes to be successful” despite his slow start in Scotland.

The 21-year-old has only scored one goal in 13 matches for the Ibrox giants since his €8.6 million summer move from Everton and he has been widely criticised throughout the opening months of his Rangers career.

Chermiti failed to score in 24 first-team games for Everton and his underwhelming start to senior football has continued north of the border, but Ferguson insists that he has the potential to become a top quality striker.

However, Rangers fans will need to be patient, according to the ex-Scotland centre forward.

Duncan Ferguson on Youssef Chermiti

“Moving to Rangers is a massive adjustment for any player – and people need to remember that Chermiti is only still 21 years old and needs time to find his feet,” Ferguson told The Daily Record.

“Nothing prepares you for being a Rangers player. I was the same age as him when I made the move and was too young to make the most of that opportunity and it’s a huge regret.

“Chermiti has all the attributes to be successful. What’s missing are the magic ingredients that all strikers need – luck and confidence. The transfer fee is something he needs to forget about.”

Ferguson added: “He’s clearly a player who the club believe can become the sum of all parts and get his game to a level where he can fulfil the potential he’s had. There’s plenty of time for him to do that.

“But patience isn’t a virtue you find at either of the Old Firm clubs. If he can start to relax and get a run of games then he can change opinions.

“The new manager Danny Rohl is just in the door and has clearly seen enough in training to start him against Celtic and Roma so there’s clearly a lot of trust there.”

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