James Penrice reflects on remarkable journey from part-time football to Scotland call-up

James Penrice has opened up about his journey from part-time football to earning his first Scotland call-up at the age of 27, admitting there was a time when he considered a future outside the game.

The Rangers defender has enjoyed a remarkable few months after joining the club on loan from AEK Athens. He scored on his debut and quickly established himself as an important player under manager Derek McInnes, with his performances earning him a place in Scotland's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Penrice's career began at Partick Thistle, where he also experienced loan spells at East Fife and Livingston. However, his progress was far from straightforward. After Partick Thistle dropped into League One, he found himself playing part-time football and began considering alternative career options during the Covid pandemic.

"When we dropped down to League One there was part of me that thought I was done," Penrice told Sky Sports.

The defender eventually joined Livingston, where manager David Martindale gave him what he described as a final opportunity to establish himself in full-time football. Penrice seized that chance, subsequently earning a move to Hearts before joining Greek side AEK Athens for a reported £2m.

"I was in League One at 23, so it's all about putting your head down and hard work," he said. "Hard work and just really sticking at it and believing in yourself and you've always got a chance."

His return to Scottish football with Rangers has proved another important step. Penrice admitted that earning international recognition was one of his ambitions when he moved to Ibrox, although his primary motivation was to play for the club.

The defender will now have the opportunity to make his Scotland debut during the Nations League double-header against North Macedonia on November 13 and Switzerland on November 16. Meanwhile, McInnes has made clear that he would like to keep Penrice at Rangers beyond his loan spell, which includes an option to buy.