James Penrice on Scotland Snub & Rangers

James Penrice says he never expected a Scotland call-up before the international break, even after Kieran Tierney’s late withdrawal through injury left a gap at left back.

The Rangers defender was overlooked by national team manager Sebastien Pocognoli, and his response has been to keep his head down and focus on the club that gave him his chance.

Speaking after Rangers’ back-to-back wins over Celtic, Penrice made clear that international recognition was never on his mind.

Asked whether he had anticipated a call-up once Tierney pulled out, he was blunt.

“No, I was kind of focusing on just coming back here to Rangers and trying to enjoy football.”

It’s a straightforward answer from a player who has become central to Derek McInnes’s plans. Pocognoli’s decision not to turn to him, even with a recognised left back unavailable, will raise eyebrows among supporters who have watched Penrice thrive in the last month.

There will be understandable surprise that Penrice wasn’t called up in the first place, given how strong his recent form has been for Derek McInnes’ team.

He excelled in the two recent victories over Celtic, but now that momentum comes to an end – at least temporarily – due to the international break.

James Penrice expressed regret that the games and the feel-good factor could not continue, with the next action coming on October 10 when Kilmarnock come to Ibrox.

“I don’t want to stop, said Penrice.

“I’d rather we kept going. It might turn out to be a good thing to get a couple of boys back from injury.

“That would be another good thing for the squad. But at the same time if you’re on a roll, you don’t really want to stop.

“It’s an international break, though, so it’s a chance for us all to recharge.

Charity Launch Details and Pocognoli Squad Decision

Penrice made his comments at the launch of the Rangers Charity Foundation’s partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, an event that put a spotlight on the club’s community work away from the pitch.

It was there, as featured by the Daily Record, that he addressed the Scotland squad question head-on.

Pocognoli chose to look elsewhere for cover at left back rather than promote Penrice, despite Tierney’s withdrawal handing him an obvious opening.

The Belgian’s call has not gone down well with Rangers fans, but Penrice himself was calm about it, treating the snub as motivation rather than a grievance.

Midfield Tactical Role Under Derek McInnes and Celtic Victories

Part of the reason Penrice has been so valuable to McInnes is his willingness to play in more than one position.

In both recent derby wins over Celtic, he operated in a dual role, shuttling between left back and a deeper midfield spot to help shut down Benjamin Nygren, who has troubled Rangers in the past.

That flexibility has given McInnes options he didn’t have earlier in the season.

Penrice’s reading of the game and his willingness to tuck inside when Rangers needed extra bodies in midfield were key factors in both Celtic results, and they help explain why McInnes has stuck with him even as Scotland looked away.

Upcoming Timeline and Competition as Tuur Rommens Returns

Rangers have now won six matches in a row since their Conference League exit, a run built on the back of a difficult night against Jablonec.

Penrice missed a penalty in that tie, a moment that could easily have knocked his confidence, yet the response from the whole squad has been emphatic. You can read more on the fallout from the Conference League exit and how McInnes steadied the ship afterwards.

Penrice’s place at left back won’t go unchallenged for long, though. Tuur Rommens is back in full training and pushing to reclaim his spot, and Penrice knows it.