James Penrice has earned his first Scotland call-up, a reward for his impressive form since joining Rangers on loan from AEK Athens. The 27-year-old left-back is included in Sebastien Pocognoli's squad for the Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland next month. The team's immediate focus is a home match against FYR Macedonia on Friday 13 November, a quick rematch after Scotland's 0-2 away victory against them on Saturday 3 October.
Penrice's journey to international recognition has taken him through Livingston, Hearts and Partick Thistle before his summer move to Ibrox. His performances there have clearly caught the eye of the national team manager. Pocognoli described the selection as a 'logical choice' based on the player's quality and style of play, adding that absences on the left side of the pitch also influenced his decision.
Penrice received the news in March 2025 and immediately shared his pride. "Incredibly proud. I’m buzzing for my family as well. My phone will probably be going nuts," he said. The defender acknowledged that returning to Scotland and playing for Rangers was key in putting him in contention. He also joked that his first task after the announcement was to call his mother.
Congratulations have flowed in from his new club environment. Rangers teammate Nico Raskin was quick to praise both the player and the manager's judgement. "Well done James! Well deserved, Bro! I always knew Belgian managers have good eyes to see good players!" Raskin said.
The call-up comes as Scotland prepare for a key Nations League double-header, looking to build on a recent 2-0 away win against FYR Macedonia. Their form over the last four matches has been mixed, with one win, one draw, and two defeats. Penrice will be aiming to make his international debut in those games and help solidify a defence that conceded twice in a narrow 2-1 loss to Slovenia in their last outing.
Read the full report at Daily Record Football
