James Penrice has described his journey to a first Scotland call-up as a “slow rise” defined by persistence rather than overnight stardom. The 27-year-old center-back, who recently transitioned from part-time football to the professional elite, emphasized that his selection by manager Sebastien Pocognoli was the direct result of sustained performance. “I always thought if I kept playing and kept performing it would come. Thankfully it has,” Penrice told Sky Sports News, highlighting the patience required to break into the national setup after years of navigating the lower tiers of the game.
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The defender’s trajectory accelerated dramatically upon his return to Scotland, where he joined Rangers on loan from AEK Athens with an option to buy. His impact was immediate, scoring on his debut for Derek McInnes’ side just one day after completing the transfer. Since then, Penrice has established himself as a key figure in the backline, proving that his move back to Glasgow was a strategic decision to maximize his visibility. He noted that while playing for Rangers was the primary objective, the international recognition serves as an “added bonus” to an “unbelievable” run of form.
Penrice is now poised to make his senior debut as Scotland prepares for their upcoming Nations League fixtures. The national team will host North Macedonia on November 13, followed by a crucial away match against Switzerland three days later. For Penrice, these matches represent the culmination of a career path that began in part-time football and has now reached the highest level of Scottish professional sport, validating his decision to push for a return to the top flight.
Source: Sky Sports
