Penrice focuses on Rangers as Scotland remains a target

A Scotland call-up features on James Penrice's "bucket list", but the defender is focusing on maintaining his impressive Rangers form after missing out on a place in national boss Sebastien Pocognoli's first squad. Penrice, 27, has become a key figure in Derek McInnes' team since joining on loan from AEK Athens in the summer. However, he was overlooked by Pocognoli for the upcoming Nations League games against Slovenia (twice), Switzerland and North Macedonia, even though Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney subsequently withdrew with injury, along with midfielder Kenny McLean. Asked prior to Sunday's 1-0 league win over Celtic at Parkhead, which took Rangers within two points of the league leaders, 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 that 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. "The boys are fighting and scratching to try and get their name on the teamsheet. So it can only help Rangers. That's the way I see it."