Rangers Star Makes Admission After Scotland Call-Up: Should The Club Buy Him?
· Yahoo Sports
Rangers have made encouraging progress under Derek McInnes this season, with their domestic performances keeping them firmly in the Scottish Premiership title race. Reaching the Premier Sports Cup final has given fans another reason for optimism after their disappointing European campaign.
McInnes has built much of that progress around a defence that holds its shape while supporting attacks. His full-backs must provide width, deliver crosses and recover quickly when possession changes hands. James Penrice has handled those responsibilities particularly well since arriving at Ibrox.
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The 27-year-old joined Rangers on a season-long loan from AEK Athens in August, with an £800,000 option to buy. His performances have quickly established him as an important member of the starting eleven, while Tuur Rommens offers competition and cover on the left.
Penrice has recorded 14 appearances and one goal across all competitions this season. His 7.3 average FotMob rating reflects consistent performances, while his crossing ability gives Rangers another attacking route from wide areas. Defensively, his positional discipline has helped McInnes maintain the balance he expects from his full-backs.
That consistency has now earned the defender recognition beyond Ibrox. The Daily Record reports that Penrice believes his decision to join Rangers has been vindicated after receiving his first senior Scotland call-up for the Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Speaking to Rangers TV after training, Penrice admitted he discovered the news only five minutes before the session began. Head physio Kevin Bain delivered the announcement, leaving the defender expecting a flood of missed calls from his family. He credited his teammates for helping him settle, while Nicolas Raskin interrupted the interview to congratulate him.
Speaking to Rangers TV after training, he said: “Incredibly proud. I’m buzzing for my family as well. My phone will probably be going nuts.
“I’ve not spoken to anyone yet. I’ll have a hundred missed calls from my mum. She’ll think I’ haven’t told her!
“I only found out five minutes before it came out [for training]. Kev [Bain, Rangers’ head physio] zoomed round in the cart and came right up to me and just nodded.
“I went, ‘Aw! My God, unreal’.
“I’ve waited a wee while for this but I knew coming back to Scotland, coming to Rangers would help my cause.
“It’s credit to the boys in there as well. They’ve helped me incredibly. I’m just buzzing.
“It’s a weird feeling because I don’t think if you went back to the start of my career that I’d have been called up.
“It’s happened now and I’m just delighted.
“I better go call my mum first!”
The start of the interview was crashed by Ibrox team-mate Nico Raskin, who praised Pocognoli as he congratulated Penrice.
The Red Devils midfield ace: “Well done James!
“Well deserved, Bro! I always knew Belgian managers have good eyes to see good players!”
Should Rangers trigger Penrice’s £800,000 option in January?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 31: James Penrice of Rangers is seen during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final between Rangers and Aberdeen at Hampden Park on October 31, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Rangers should activate the clause as soon as the January window opens. An established starting left-back with international recognition, strong performances and an agreed purchase price below £1 million represents excellent value for the club.
Waiting until June offers little obvious benefit, particularly if Penrice continues improving during the title run-in. His Scotland call-up could attract further attention, while securing his future would allow Rangers to concentrate their recruitment budget on other positions.
McInnes already has two capable left-backs, but permanent ownership of Penrice would give Rangers continuity without forcing another expensive recruitment exercise. The £800,000 option provides financial certainty, and his current form gives the board little reason to hesitate. Rather than spend another summer searching for a dependable left-back, Rangers could settle that position now and direct their attention elsewhere.