YOUSSEF CHERMITI has expressed his delight after his stunning hat-trick helped Rangers record a 4-2 victory over Hearts at Ibrox Stadium this afternoon.
The Portuguese striker, who was named man of the match after the final whistle, found the net in the 39th, 57th and 90th minutes to claim the match ball and he enjoyed the celebrations that followed, with Ibrox rocking in the second half.
He said: "It was a great afternoon for us and obviously for the team. For me, it was very good to score a hat-trick, my first hat-trick, and I am happy for that.
"But it was a very important result for us. Every game is important for us. We are in the race now and it is getting tight.
"It was good playing up front with Ryan today. We have been building a good relationship and I'm learning more about him and about his movements. He is also learning more about my movements."
Chermiti believes his first goal of the afternoon, a composed finish in front of the Broomloan Stand which made it 2-2 before half-time, was crucial as it gave the Light Blues a big left going into the break.
He said: "That goal gave us confidence for the half-time and then we came back out and we just scored two more goals, so it was good.
"Every goal for this club is a big moment for me so yeah, it was good and I enjoyed it.
"The stadium was really rocking today and the atmosphere was really good. As I said before, we now look forward to the next game and we are going to try and make more wins and just keep getting three points.
"The most important thing for me is the three points. If other players scored the hat-trick, that would be good as well.
"But it is always special scoring the first hat-trick for this club. It does give you more confidence and freedom to show my potential, my skills and my abilities, so yeah I think it is very good."
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