James Penrice has described his Scotland call-up at the age of 27 as the reward for a long and unlikely rise from part-time football to Rangers and the international set-up.
The defender joined Rangers on loan from AEK Athens and scored on his debut the following day. He has since established himself as an important player for Derek McInnes’ side, with the move helping to earn his first Scotland selection.
“I always thought if I kept playing and kept performing it would come. Thankfully it has,” Penrice said.
The decision to return to Scotland was partly motivated by his ambition to play for Rangers, although the Scotland call-up has provided an additional reward.
“I knew coming back and obviously playing for Rangers there’s always going to be a chance in the Scotland squad,” he said. “It was one of my decisions to come back to try and push. Ultimately, I came back to play for Rangers but it’s an added bonus to manage to get the call-up as well. It’s been unbelievable since I came back.”
James Penrice’s slow rise to Scotland
Penrice began his career at Partick Thistle, with loan spells at East Fife and Livingston before making a permanent move to the West Lothian club.
His progress was far from straightforward. After Partick Thistle dropped into League One, and with football becoming part-time during the Covid period, Penrice began considering courses and life beyond the game.
“It’s kind of been a slow rise, don’t get me wrong,” he said. “When we [Partick Thistle] dropped down to League One there was part of me that thought I was done.”
A move to Livingston gave him another opportunity in full-time football. Manager David Martindale told him it could be his last chance, but Penrice took it and rebuilt his career.
“From then, I got my head down and then I went to Livingston and that was kind of the super bolt,” he said. “Davey Martindale [the Livi manager] said that it was kind of the last chance I had for full-time football and I grasped it there.”
Penrice subsequently enjoyed a strong personal season at Hearts, earning a £2 million move to AEK Athens. He played 32 times as the Greek club secured another national title before returning to Scotland and joining Rangers.
“The move to Hearts was a good personal season for me. Then obviously I moved to Greece, so it’s been a bit mental from where I was at 20. It makes it more interesting, doesn’t it!” he said.
Penrice believes his journey should encourage players who have not broken into the international scene at a young age. He pointed to the pressure placed on footballers by the success of teenagers at the highest level.
“I was in League One at 23, so it’s all about putting your head down and hard work,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong you need luck, you can create your own luck.”
He added: “Hard work and just really sticking at it and believing in yourself and you’ve always got a chance.”
Rangers future remains open
Penrice’s loan agreement includes an option for Rangers to buy him, and McInnes has made clear that he would like the defender to remain at Ibrox beyond the end of the season.
“I want him, the club wants him and James wants to be here. From that starting point, hopefully we can get something agreed,” McInnes said.
“Bringing him here was important for me. He plays with hunger, he’s desperate to be a successful Rangers player and I think he shows that in his performances.”
