Rangers star told international dream is still alive as 'comfortable' start to season hasn't gone unnoticed

Rangers defender James Penrice’s ‘comfortable’ start to life at Ibrox hasn’t gone unnoticed by pundit Andy Walker, who reckons he is still in with a shout of a Scotland call-up.

The uncapped versatile full back was left out of Sebastian Pocognoli’s first squad as National Team boss despite a strong start to life at Ibrox. Since his loan switch from Greek champions AEK Athens in the summer, Penrice has received plaudits for his ability on and off the ball - particularly in the back-to-back victories over Celtic before the international break.

Pocognoli hasn’t been afraid to put his own stamp on the squad, having called up six new faces. Unfortunately for Penrice, he wasn’t one of them. The 27-year old claims playing for his country is something that is on his ‘bucket list’. Despite his squad omission, former Celtic and St Mirren striker Walker reckons there’s still a chance he can tick it off.

Penrice call-up ‘a matter of time’

Penrice can perhaps consider himself unfortunate to have came through at a time when Scotland were blessed with world class left backs. Liverpool legend Andy Robertson remains captain of the side, while Celtic defender Kieran Tierney proved to be a more than capable backup. The latter pulled out of Pocognoli’s squad last week due to an injury concern, meaning there still could be room for Penrice. Josh Doig of Italian side Sassuolo was selected as third choice left back.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Walker said: “I think if he (Penrice) keeps up this form, I think it (a Scotland call-up) is only a matter of time. Especially with Kieran Tierney pulling out of the squad and who knows, he might still get a call-up before the last game on 6th October. He is certainly one for the future and I think we all saw how good a player he has been over the last number of years. It is always interesting to see how a player like that can develop. Obviously at a bigger club, the expectation is much higher and he seems to be really comfortable in that role.”

Penrice on ‘bucket list’ international call-up

Speaking after the disappointment of his omission from the squad, Penrice told the BBC: "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."

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