Rangers defender James Penrice has officially earned the first senior Scotland call-up of his career after head coach Sebastien Pocognoli named his 26-man squad for the upcoming November international break.

Scotland are preparing for crucial UEFA Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia on Friday, 13 November (19:45) and Switzerland on Monday, 16 November (19:45).

Among the headline inclusions are Rangers trio Findlay Curtis, Liam Kelly, and most notably, dynamic full-back Penrice.

Rangers supporters were left furious back in September when Penrice was omitted from Pocognoli’s inaugural Scotland selection. However, after continuing his blistering form at Ibrox, the 27-year-old defender has finally forced his way into the national setup.

Penrice’s inclusion comes on the back of an outstanding individual start to life at Ibrox following his arrival on loan from Greek side AEK Athens, with Rangers holding an option to make the move permanent.

A constant threat down the left flank, Penrice has registered one goal and three assists across all competitions. His most critical contribution came just days ago at Hampden Park, where he delivered the crucial assist for Ryan Naderi’s winning goal against Aberdeen to book Rangers’ spot in the League Cup final.

Rangers fans react to James Penrice being called up to Scotland squad

As soon as the Scottish FA published the squad list on X, Rangers fans flocked to social media to celebrate the long-overdue news.

Supporter @IBROXBABY1 was quick to express delight at the announcement:

James Penrice makes the team! Brilliant news 💙

Analyst page @scotball_ highlighted the player’s impact since moving to Ibrox:

A well deserved first Scotland call-up for James Penrice. What a brilliant impact he’s made at Rangers.

Meanwhile, @colsonmason2 stressed that the recognition was long coming:

Congratulations! James Penrice, finally getting the recognition he deserves!

Reflecting the feeling that Pocognoli should have made this move in September, @Rfc_Rossj added:

About time! James Penrice is there 🔴⚪🔵

With @Billy169005 summarising the collective mood across the support:

Buzzing for Penrice, it’s well deserved. 👏🏼👏🏼

Penrice will now join up with his national teammates following this weekend’s domestic action, when Rangers visit St Mirren on Saturday (7 November), aiming to earn his first international cap when Scotland host North Macedonia at Hampden on 13 November.