The left-back, currently away with the Scotland squad where he could win his first cap against North Macedonia or Switzerland, took a circuitous route in his career.

Following an up-and-down spell at Partick Thistle which included loans at East Fife and Livingston, being released by the then League One side forced him to ponder whether he had a future in football.

Just five years ago, he was looking at courses which might provide a different career path. But David Martindale was in touch to offer a permanent move to Livingston. After excelling in West Lothian, one season at Hearts followed and his rapid rise then saw him head to Greece with AEK Athens, who paid £2million for his services.

A year later, he was returning to Scotland to play for the club he has always wanted to represent, initially on loan with a chance to make the move permanent.

"It's kind of been a slow rise, don't get me wrong," he told Sky Sports as he reflected on his journey to Ibrox.

🗣️ "When they get to 21 or 22, they think their career's done. I was League One at 23." Rangers defender James Penrice on his "slow rise" from part-time football to his first Scotland call-up ⤵️ https://t.co/8bkRCKNn1y

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 10, 2026

"When we [Partick Thistle] dropped down to League One there was part of me that thought I was done.

"I'd been part-time and, especially when Covid hit, I was looking at courses and stuff like that and trying to think about life after football.

"From then, I got my head down and then I went to Livingston and that was kind of the super bolt.

"Davie Martindale [the Livi manager] said that it was kind of the last chance I had for full-time football and I grasped it there.

"The move to Hearts was a good personal season for me. Then obviously I moved to Greece, so it's been a bit mental from where I was at 20. It makes it more interesting, doesn't it!"

Penrice is well placed to give advice to any young players who find themelves in the position he did, wondering what the future holds. Quite simply, if you stick at it, you can earn your rewards.

He added: "I think you see nowadays that there's 17, 18-year-olds winning World Cups, and I think boys when they get to 21 or 22 they think their career's done.

"I was in League One at 23, so it's all about putting your head down and hard work. Don't get me wrong, you need luck. You can create your own luck.

"Hard work and just really sticking at it and believing in yourself and you've always got a chance."

Winning a first cap for his country would be another significant milestone. He admits an international call-up was always on his mind when he was signing for Rangers.

"I knew coming back and obviously playing for Rangers there's always going to be a chance in the Scotland squad," said Penrice.

"It was one of my decisions to come back to try and push. Ultimately, I came back to play for Rangers but it's an added bonus to manage to get the call-up as well. It's been unbelievable since I came back.

"I always thought if I kept playing and kept performing it would come. Thankfully it has."