Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti has been handed an emotional tribute by Portugal Under-21 boss Luís Freire after the nation secured qualification for the UEFA U21 European Championship, ahead of Findlay Curtis and Scotland U21’s who finished third in the same group.
Portugal booked their place in the final tournament with a convincing victory over Gibraltar, with Freire dedicating the achievement to Chermiti and Al-Ittihad youngster Roger Fernandes, who have both suffered serious injuries.
The Rangers forward has been an important member of Portugal's Under-21 setup but was unable to play a part in the latest stage of their qualification campaign.
This was due to the former Everton striker suffering a serious ACL injury early on in Rangers 2-1 home loss to Hibernian back in August.
"Really disappointed for ourselves; he is a big part of what we wanted to do. For Youssef, he is very young, and it will be difficult for him to accept it,” said Derek McInnes after the injury was confirmed.
He is unlikely to feature for Rangers until very late in the season, if at all this campaign, and his knock caused McInnes to sign Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy on deadline day.
Not long after fellow forward, and club captain, Lawrence Shankland was also ruled out for an extended period of time.
Chermiti highlighted by Portugal boss
Freire made a point of remembering the injured pair after watching his side complete their objective, highlighting the contribution and commitment of the players who have been involved throughout the campaign.
"I'm satisfied with the whole journey we had. I dedicate this qualification to Chermiti and Roger, who suffered serious injuries," Freire said to the Portuguese Football Federation’s official website.
The Portugal boss was particularly pleased with the way his side responded during the match, admitting there had been some frustration before Rodrigo Mora's opening goal finally broke the deadlock.
Portugal eventually went on to score four times, sealing a comprehensive victory and their place at the European Championship.
The message from the international manager will provide Chermiti another reminder of the regard in which he is held within the Portugal setup despite his current absence.
Rangers await Chermiti return
The striker joined Rangers from Everton under Russell Martin last summer and has been viewed as an important part of McInnes' squad, having arrived at Ibrox as one of the club's significant attacking investments.
His progress has also been closely followed by Portugal, with Chermiti continuing to work towards establishing himself at Under-21 level, even being tipped for a senior call up to Jorge Jesus’ squad.
Freire's comments underline that his absence has not been forgotten by those inside the national-team camp.
Portugal's qualification also represents a significant achievement for a group that has remained unbeaten in the campaign while producing an impressive attacking record.
"We are one of the first teams to qualify, we have the best attack in Europe. Without conceding a goal," Freire added.
"There are great teams. Portugal has a great team, dreams guide life.”
Extra fitness motivation
Portugal have made clear that places in the final tournament squad remain up for grabs, with Freire insisting that players who perform well for their clubs will have opportunities to force their way into his plans.
"It's a group where I want them to feel they can have opportunities if they're doing well at their clubs," he said.
That message could be particularly significant for Chermiti as he works his way back from injury.
The U21 Euro finals will be held next summer, kicking off in Albania and Serbia on June 17, 2027, with the final on July 4.
This gives Chermiti extra motivation to try and rebuild his fitness ahead of the end of the Scottish Premiership campaign.
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