Rangers' James Penrice receives maiden Scotland squad selection

Rangers defender James Penrice has been called up to the Scotland squad for the first time, recognising his consistent performances for the Ibrox side this season.

Rangers' James Penrice has earned his first senior call-up to the Scotland national team. The 27-year-old was named in new manager Sebastien Pocognoli's squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland.

Penrice has made 14 appearances for Rangers this season, operating at left-back and in midfield. He provided the assist for Ryan Naderi's winning goal in the recent 1-0 victory over Aberdeen. His form has been a part of Rangers' strong Premiership campaign, where they sit second with 24 points from 11 games and are unbeaten in their last five matches. The team's record of seven wins, three draws, and one loss has them four points behind leaders Celtic. Their recent form of three wins and two draws in the last five includes the 1-0 win over Aberdeen, a 2-2 draw with Heart of Midlothian, a 4-0 victory over ST Johnstone, a 2-2 draw with Dundee, and a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock. The side has scored 19 goals and conceded only nine this season.

Scotland boss Pocognoli included two other Rangers players in his squad. Goalkeeper Liam Kelly and winger Findlay Curtis retained their places. The full squad features players like Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, John McGinn and Scott McTominay.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes will see the call-up as a just reward for Penrice's contributions. The club is in a tight title race, currently four points behind leaders Celtic. Penrice, who joined on loan from AEK Athens, has not previously represented Scotland at any age level and could make his debut this month. His assist for Naderi, who is the club's top scorer with five goals this season, was a key moment in the narrow win.

The news comes as Rangers prepare for their next Premiership fixture away to St Mirren on Saturday 7 November. The team's recent form, with three wins and two draws in their last five, shows their resilience. St Mirren currently sit eighth in the table, providing the next test for a Rangers side that has not lost since a 1-0 win at Celtic on 20 September.

Background and full detail: bbc.co.uk