Penrice on 'slow rise' from part-time football to Scotland call-up

The 27-year-old Rangers defender has earned his first Scotland call-up under Sebastien Pocognoli after impressing on loan from AEK Athens.

James Penrice has been handed his first Scotland call-up at age 27 after what he describes as a "slow rise" through football. The Rangers defender, on loan from AEK Athens with an option to buy, scored on his debut for Derek McInnes' side and has become a key player.

Penrice's path to international recognition was unconventional. He started at Partick Thistle, where he was part-time when the club dropped to League One. He considered leaving football entirely during the Covid pandemic before permanent moves to Livingston, Hearts, and then AEK Athens, where he played 32 times and helped secure a Greek title.

Scotland host North Macedonia on November 13, with their final Nations League game away to Switzerland on November 16. McInnes is keen to make Penrice's loan permanent, saying all parties are willing to make a deal happen.