NafisaRangers could be preparing to make another important transfer decision after Derek McInnes publicly confirmed his desire to keep one of his most trusted performers at Ibrox beyond the current season.
James Penrice only arrived in Glasgow on a season-long loan from Greek side AEK Athens during the summer, but his performances have already convinced the Rangers manager that the arrangement should become permanent.
The 27-year-old left-back has quickly established himself as an important member of McInnes’ squad, earning the trust of his manager and winning over supporters with his commitment, energy and consistent performances.
Now, with Penrice receiving his first Scotland call-up, the Rangers boss has made it clear that he wants the defender’s future resolved in the club’s favour.
Speaking about the possibility of a permanent transfer, McInnes revealed that he has already communicated his preference to the Rangers hierarchy.
“Certainly I’ve made my feelings clear on it.
“Ideally, I would like to have done it as a permanent, but the best way forward at the time was a loan.
“But I think we’re all aware of what it needs to be to make it permanent.
“But I think there’s a lot of goodwill all round to try and that could be something that we’d like to do.
“The conversations I’ve had with Jim (Gillespie, chief executive) and the board have been along those lines and hopefully we can make that permanent.
“Because I think what he’s done since the first minute is just play with so much enthusiasm, clearly wants to be here.
“He plays properly and he brings quality, but he also brings energy; the fans take to him because of how he performs and how much he wants to win.
“He’s one of the older ones at 27, I think. And a lot of these things are happening for him now, the first Scotland call-up and all the rest of it.
“But he’s a player that I trust, and I think the supporters trust him.
“So hopefully we can make it a longer-term thing going forward. But that’s for the people upstairs to try and sort out.”
Those comments leave little doubt about McInnes’ position. He would have preferred to sign Penrice permanently from the beginning, but a loan arrangement was considered the most practical option at the time.
The manager has now made his wishes clear to chief executive Jim Gillespie and the Rangers board, with the next step depending on whether the club can reach an agreement to secure the defender’s services.
Penrice’s performances have certainly strengthened his case.
Since arriving at Ibrox, he has impressed with his energy, determination and willingness to contribute to the team. McInnes particularly values his attitude, describing him as a player who trains and competes with genuine hunger.
That mentality has also helped him win over the Rangers support, something the manager clearly recognises.
The defender’s progress has now earned another major reward, with Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli including him in his 26-man squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland.
It represents Penrice’s first senior Scotland call-up, a significant achievement for a player whose career has taken him through Partick Thistle, Livingston and Hearts before his move to Greece.
McInnes was delighted to see his defender receive international recognition.
“It’s great for James to get into the Scotland set-up.
“I think there was no real surprise with it. But nonetheless, you see James’ reaction to it, and that’s the way it should be, getting called up for your country.
“Findlay (Curtis) in there as well, Liam Kelly, so we’re well represented.
“So it’s good for the club that they’re away with Scotland and hopefully it’s a positive experience with them.
“But I think James deserves it and hopefully he can get on the pitch and come back with a couple of caps ideally and he comes back in good form.”
The Rangers manager also highlighted the work ethic that has helped Penrice reach this stage of his career.
“I think the thing that screams out of James is hunger. He’s driven himself to get to where he is now.
“And I don’t think anybody should ever underestimate working with hungry players.
“As soon as you become too comfortable, you become complacent for me. And I think that there is a real hunger there to establish himself here.
“Because he knows, just from what was going on with Findlay there, that Tuur Rommens isn’t going to just move along.
“And James can play a few different positions. But he wants to be here. He plays with loads of enthusiasm and he plays with hunger and he trains with hunger. And he’s had his reward for that.”
McInnes’ reference to Tuur Rommens is particularly interesting because Penrice is not operating in a position without competition. The Rangers manager knows that places in his squad have to be earned, and he clearly believes the defender has the mentality to keep pushing himself.
For Rangers, turning the loan into a permanent deal would provide some continuity at left-back and reward a player who has quickly become an important part of the manager’s plans.
However, McInnes has also acknowledged that the financial and contractual details must be handled by the people running the club.
There is no completed agreement yet, but the manager has made his preference unmistakable.
Penrice has earned his first Scotland call-up, established himself as a trusted Rangers performer and received a public endorsement from his manager.
Now the big question is whether the Ibrox hierarchy can turn McInnes’ wish into a permanent signing.
Nafisa
