---
title: "James Penrice midfield form sets Derek McInnes selection puzzle"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/09/17/james-penrice-midfield-form-sets-derek-mcinnes-selection-puzzle/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-09-17T06:47:51Z"
modified: "2026-09-17T06:47:51Z"
---

# James Penrice midfield form sets Derek McInnes selection puzzle

Rangers hold an £800,000 option to sign on-loan defender James Penrice permanently from AEK Athens following his seamless transition into an inverted midfield role at Ibrox Stadium.

## Tactical Midfield Transition Sparks Debate

The 27-year-old excelled in a hybrid position during the recent 3-0 Premier Sports Cup quarter-final victory over Celtic. This tactical flexibility contrasts with the traditional full-back profile of primary left-back Tuur Rommens, who was ruled out for up to eight weeks in mid-August.

Former technical director Dan Purdy negotiated the [discounted permanent transfer clause](https://readrangers.com/2026/09/16/james-penrice-transfer-option-gives-derek-mcinnes-tactical-advantage/) before his departure. Manager Derek McInnes now faces a prominent selection puzzle once the Belgian defender completes his recovery and returns to first-team fitness.

Penrice has quickly established himself as a core starter, operating fluidly between defensive and central areas to compensate for the absentee. The boyhood supporter, who recently [praised domestic youth moves](https://readrangers.com/2026/09/17/mason-munn-completes-dumbarton-loan-switch-as-teammates-react/), is focused on securing his future.

Speaking to the [Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-penrice-permanent-transfer-fee-37670061) about the starting position, Penrice said: “Tuur is obviously injured but I’m coming in to play.”

He added: “I want to keep performing, I want to make the jersey my own and hopefully I can do that.”

Addressing his status beyond this season, the defender noted: “Staying here long-term is a conversation for the future but there’s obviously an option in the deal, everyone knows that.”

Rangers travel to face Celtic in their next Premiership fixture on Sunday.