Is Chermiti Rangers' man for the big occasion?

Youssef Chermiti has produced his best performances this season on major occasions - and they don't much bigger than Sunday's Old Firm derby.

The striker has prompted plenty of criticism and fan frustration as he toils to live up to a hefty price tag, mustering just seven goals in 30 appearances.

But six of those have come against title rivals Hearts and Celtic, providing tantalising glimpses of what he is capable of.

Chermiti scored in injury time at Tynecastle in December when Rangers lost 2-1 to Hearts then netted a brilliant hat-trick as Danny Rohl's side twice came from behind to beat the Gorgie side 4-2 at Ibrox earlier this month.

The 21-year-old Portuguese hadn't joined Rangers in time for the opening league meeting with Celtic - the 0-0 Ibrox draw in August - but emerged as the matchwinner at Celtic Park in early January.

Rangers were fortunate to only be one down at half-time as Celtic - who were then helmed by Wilfied Nancy - spurned countless chances. Yet Chermiti soon changed the game, netting two in nine minutes to put Rangers ahead before the hour on their way to a 3-1 win.

Not only has he stepped up with goals in these games, he has also been sharper in attack.

Against Hearts this season Chermiti has managed eight shots (the most he has taken against any opponent) compared to just one against the likes of Dundee and Kilmarnock.

He has scored four big chances against Hearts and is averaging a goal every 39.5 minutes against the league leaders. Against Celtic he scored both of his big chances.

Contrast that with last weekend's frustrating draw with rock-bottom Livingston, where Chermiti attempted four shots and put only one target in a frustrating 90 minutes.

Consistency has eluded him but if Chermiti can continue his run of goals in big games he could be the key to a Rangers derby win on Sunday.