'Phenomenal' Rangers duo hailed as early-season standouts

The domestic season may only be a couple of months old but it's never too early to start talking about the outstanding players. With seven rounds of Scottish Premiership fixtures played and up to the quarter-finals of the League Cup done and dusted, the topic of standout performers came up on Thursday's BBC Scottish Football Podcast. Scotsman sports editor Mark Atkinson commented: "I've been really impressed by Olwethu Makhanya at Rangers, the centre-half. When a club bring in a young defender from the MLS you immediately raise your eyebrows and go, 'I wonder if this guy's going to cut it?' "Makhanya has been excellent. He's just got better and better as each game goes. He's got all the modern attributes for a centre-half, he's quick. "He's intelligent, positionally sound, reads the game well and has shown in the games against Celtic that he can do a variety of different roles within a back line. "On current trajectory, I think you're looking at a player that could make Rangers some serious money." Former Rangers goalkeeper Cammy Bell chose another Ibrox player. "James Penrice has come in and been absolutely fantastic," said the Scotland cap. "He got asked to play that centre midfield role against Celtic, which is unknown to him. He produced a brilliant display on that day. "It's always a big question mark over players when they join the Old Firm, can they handle the pressure? And James Penrice has been phenomenal since he came in."