James Penrice focused on Rangers as Scotland duty remains a goal

James Penrice covets international recognition with Scotland but is meantime focusing on Rangers.

The 27-year-old left-back has recently caught the eye at the Ibrox club – especially in back-to-back wins over Celtic – as his season-long loan from AEK Athens looks to be going from strength to strength.

However, there was no first call-up from new Scotland international boss Sebastien Pocognoli for the upcoming Nations League games against Slovenia (twice), Switzerland and North Macedonia, even though Hoops left-back Kieran Tierney subsequently withdrew with injury, along with midfielder Kenny McLean.

Asked ahead of Sunday’s 1-0 William Hill Premiership win over Celtic at Parkhead, which took them to within two points of the Hoops at the top of the table, if there was any expectation of being included in Pocognoli’s initial squad, Penrice, said: “No, for me I was kind of focusing on just coming back here and trying to enjoy football.

“It’s been a mental couple of weeks, so Scotland hasn’t really taken up my focus.

“But for me, obviously, I would love to play with Scotland. It would be a bucket list item to tick off.

“It’s something everybody dreams of, playing for their country. If I got the chance to do that one day, I’d be buzzing.

“For me, now it’s about focusing on Rangers. But if in the future it comes up, then I’d absolutely be delighted.

“If Scotland comes, it comes. If my performances are as good as I want them to be, then hopefully in the future I get a chance to play for my country.

“But at the same time, yes, definitely, a massive club like Rangers should have a team full of internationals.

“Obviously, I want to join that and I want to play for my country. So, hopefully in the future.”

Penrice was brought to Ibrox to be provide competition for left-back Tuur Rommens who has just recently recovered from a groin injury which has kept him out since August 9.

The former Partick Thistle, Livingston and Hearts player is ready to battle with the Belgian to keep his place when domestic football returns.

Penrice said: “Obviously Tuur has come back. I watched a lot of games last year and you could see that Tuur is a very good player.

“So that can only help the squad. Competition in every position is vital and I think you’ve seen that these last few weeks.

“There’s massive competition now in the squad.

“The boys are fighting and scratching to try and get their name on the team sheet. So it can only help Rangers. That’s the way I see it.”