Penrice Shines Bright: McInnes Eager to Secure Rangers Star

James Penrice is on a roll, setting up the only goal in Rangers' Premier Sports Cup semi-final triumph over Aberdeen. With a first Scotland call-up under his belt and a senior semi-final win, it’s no wonder manager Derek McInnes is eager to keep him at Ibrox. The 27-year-old has hit the ground running since joining Rangers on loan from AEK Athens. In his debut match, he dazzled with a player-of-the-match performance, scoring and assisting in a 5-1 rout of St Mirren, marking Rangers' first victory of the season after a shaky start. Since that game, McInnes’ squad has been unbeaten domestically, extending their impressive run to 12 matches. Penrice played a crucial role at Hampden, setting up Ryan Naderi’s goal that secured a spot in the League Cup final against Hibernian this December. The team is hungry for silverware, aiming for their first trophy since 2023, and Penrice hopes to add to his collection, which includes medals from Scottish League One and the Greek Super League. AEK Athens splashed out £2 million for Penrice in July 2025 after a standout year at Heart of Midlothian. He made 32 appearances in Greece, helping AEK clinch their 14th national title, while sharing time with Albania international Stavros Pilios. Rangers’ loan deal includes an option to buy, and reports suggest AEK is keen to renegotiate given Penrice’s significant impact. The summer fee of £1.2 million now looks like a bargain for the Glasgow side. "I've made my feelings clear on it," McInnes stated. "We would have preferred a permanent deal initially, but a loan was the best move at the time. There's goodwill on both sides, and we hope to make it permanent." In a surprising tactical twist, McInnes deployed Penrice in midfield during their League Cup clash against Celtic, which paid off with a resounding 3-0 victory. Penrice stifled the threat from Celtic's Benjamin Nygren and effectively contributed to the team's attacking transitions. What sets Penrice apart is his infectious enthusiasm, according to McInnes. "He brings quality and energy. The fans love his commitment, and he’s a player we can trust," he said, optimistic about securing Penrice for the long haul. Penrice expressed his pride in earning a Scotland call-up for the Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland, admitting it feels surreal. "I never thought I'd be called up after the early part of my career," he shared. McInnes was thrilled about Penrice’s selection, noting it was no surprise given his current form. Scotland’s head coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, echoed this sentiment, calling the decision "logical" as Penrice faces stiff competition in the national setup from established stars like Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney. "James deserves this opportunity, and I hope he can earn some caps," McInnes added. "His hunger and drive have propelled him to this point. He trains hard and plays with a relentless passion. You can’t underestimate the value of hungry players. Comfort can lead to complacency, and that’s something we want to avoid. James is determined to carve out a place for himself here at Rangers."