The defender has been in fine form and could yet be rewarded with a spot at the World Cup if two dominoes fall into place

Nigeria boss Eric Chelle has told Emmanuel Fernandez he's on his radar for his next squad – and he even has an outside chance of going to the World Cup if they win their appeal against elimination.

The Rangers stopper has been in fine form recently and has reportedly indicated his willingness to represent the Super Eagles in the future.

Ex-Peterborough United star Fernandez is eligible to play for the African nation through his parents and could be set to earn a call-up soon.

Nigeria are currently appealing their elimination from the World Cup qualifiers after they lost to DR Congo because they claimed their opponents fielded ineligible players during the African play-off final.

They have submitted an appeal to FIFA and have threatened legal action unless they are reinstated and take DR Congo's place in the intercontinental play-offs next month where Congo are scheduled to play the winners of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica.

And Nigeria boss Chelle said: "We have a couple of players who were born abroad, who want to play for the team and we are looking at how they will fit in.

"Of course, we can’t bring all of them into the team. We will however pick those that we know can bring competition to the squad, improve the team and also fit our game project."

Fernandez has been in fine form for Rangers this season and is among their top scorers with five in all competitions.

The 24-year-old has provided a solid return on the £2.5m they paid for him in the summer and international recognition – particularly if it comes at the World Cup – could see his value soar.

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