Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli has suggested that James Penrice could be in line for a first international call-up if the defender maintains his impressive form for Rangers. The 27-year-old left-back, on a season-long loan from AEK Athens, was not included in the squad for the opening Nations League fixtures this month.
Pocognoli stressed that his initial squad selection is not the final word on any player's international future. "It's just the first selection," the Hampden boss said. He added that "it's never a closed door" for players performing well at club level, offering clear hope to Penrice and others on the fringes.
Penrice missed out as Pocognoli dealt with several injury withdrawals, including experienced campaigners Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. The manager's first squad was shaped by these absences and the need to assess a wide pool of players as Scotland build towards key World Cup qualifiers. The team currently sits third in their World Cup qualifying group with three points from three matches, having lost their last two games against Brazil and Morocco.
Penrice's case is strengthened by his role in a Rangers side that has recently secured back-to-back Old Firm victories over Celtic. Consistent performances in such high-pressure fixtures are exactly what international managers look for. His progression will be monitored closely ahead of the next round of internationals.
With the long-term absence of key attackers like Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland, and Scott McTominay noted on our injuries page, Pocognoli is likely to keep evaluating all his options in every position. For Penrice, the path to a Scotland cap now appears straightforward: continue his current club form and wait for the phone to ring.
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