From Part-Time to International: James Penrice's Inspiring Journey
At 27, James Penrice has finally received his first call-up to the Scotland national team, thanks to coach Sebastien Pocognoli. Currently on loan at Rangers from AEK Athens, Penrice is gearing up for Scotland’s clash with North Macedonia on November 13, followed by a Nations League match against Switzerland three days later.
"I always believed that if I kept playing and performing, the opportunities would come," Penrice said, reflecting on his journey. After a few whirlwind months, he’s now living that belief with his international debut on the horizon.
His time at Rangers has been nothing short of spectacular. Just a day after joining on loan, he marked his debut with a goal and has since become a vital player under manager Derek McInnes. "Returning to Rangers, I knew there was a chance for me with the national squad," he shared with Sky Sports News. "I came back to play for Rangers, but getting the call-up is an incredible bonus. It’s been unbelievable since my return!"
Penrice’s career took off when he moved from Partick Thistle to Hearts, a transition that followed a £2 million fee from the Greek club. At Hearts, he made 32 appearances, contributing significantly to their title win.
Reflecting on his journey, Penrice remarked, "It’s been a slow rise, to put it mildly. When we dropped to League One, I thought I might be done. I even started looking into courses for life after football during the pandemic."
But then, he got his big break at Livingston. "Davey Martindale told me it was my last chance for full-time football, and I took that opportunity. Moving to Hearts was a great personal season for me, and then moving to Greece was a whirlwind experience!"
Although he’s one of the newer faces in the Scotland squad, he’s also among the more experienced players. Penrice believes that success doesn’t always come early in a career. "You see kids as young as 17 winning World Cups, which can make players feel like their careers are over by their early twenties. I was in League One at 23, so it’s all about hard work. You need some luck, but if you put your head down and believe in yourself, you can make it."
Penrice’s loan at Rangers includes an option to buy, and McInnes is keen to make the move permanent. "It’s great that everyone wants this deal to happen—James, the club, and me," McInnes said. "His desire to be a successful Rangers player is evident in his performances, and I hope we can finalize an agreement soon."
As Scotland prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the squad also features players like Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, and Andy Robertson, among others. The excitement is building for the matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland, as fans and players alike look forward to what Penrice can bring to the pitch.
