Rangers loanee Cedric Itten scored as Switzerland hammered Bulgaria to seal a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
After a mixed first campaign at Ibrox and an impressive pre-season during which he netted against both Real Madrid and Arsenal, Itten was shipped out on loan to Bundesliga side Greuther Fürth in August.
The Gers included a recall clause in the deal, but with Fürth claiming they had an option to sign him permanently in the summer, he didn’t look to have much of a future at Ibrox with Steven Gerrard at the helm.
Gerrard’s abrupt move to Aston Villa may have changed things, though, and Itten sent a reminder of his abilities on Monday night.
The 24-year-old striker came off the bench in the 68th minute of Switzerland’s final World Cup Qualifying Group C fixture with his side already 2-0 up against Bulgaria and four minutes later, he extended the advantage to three goals.
The Gers loanee glanced home a header from fellow substitute Renato Steffen’s cross to send the crowd wild in Lucerne.
Remo Freuler completed the scoring with a fourth for the hosts in injury time and with Italy drawing in Belfast, Switzerland secured a spot at Qatar 2022 as Group C winners.
It’s a great achievement for the landlocked nation and Itten will be delighted with his contribution, particularly after missing out on the squad for Euro 2020 due to a relative lack of playing time at Ibrox.
Meanwhile, a Rangers player has been pictured with a famous actor in Glasgow.