Rangers ace James Penrice sent Scotland message after Sebastien Pocognoli decision

James Penrice has been in fantastic form for Rangers over the past month.

The left-back was signed on a season-long loan deal from AEK Athens with an option to buy during the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old was initially signed to provide competition for Tuur Rommens and boost the left-back numbers at Ibrox.

However, an untimely injury to Rommens provided an opportunity and Penrice has staked his claim to make the left-back berth his own.

Penrice has particularly impressed in the back-to-back Old Firm wins over Celtic in the past fortnight, doing almost a hybrid job for Derek McInnes and moving into midfield at times as well.

Despite his strong performances, Penrice was not selected in Scotland's latest squad and Sebastien Pocognoli has spoken about that decision.

What has Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli said about Rangers ace James Penrice?

Penrice can find himself a little unlucky that left-back is a position where Scotland have had plenty options in recent history.

Andrew Robertson has been a lock in for the Tartan Army, while Kieran Tierney has also been a regular for Scotland.

Many expected Penrice to at least be included in the first selection of new Scotland boss Pocognoli, though.

The Belgian has stated that the door is not shut for Penrice and just because he is not involved right now does not mean that he will not be in the future.

Indeed, he even hinted that if circumstances change with his current squad there could be a call incoming.

In quotes reported by the Daily Record, Pocognoli said of Penrice's situation: "There are many players who deserve to be there. It's just the first selection. It will evolve in the future because it's part of football.

"We had two players who just stepped out of the squad because of injury. That will happen. I hope as infrequently as possible.

“We follow everybody. Sometimes it's just momentum and timing. There are so many good talents who are may be not there, but we follow all of them.

"I know it's the first selection. So, you think ‘it’s the first one and I want t be part of this’.

“It's the worst thing to think is to just give up. Because at the end, if you perform well, you will get the chance of the opportunity. Today is one (opportunity).

"The other day is another one. The ones who are doing well here have more chance to stay in the camp for November. But it's never a closed door.”

Patience is a virtue for Rangers ace James Penrice

It might be frustrating in the first instance for Penrice, given how well he has played for Rangers.

But, in this instance, patience is a virtue because if he continues to perform as he has then Pocognoli simply cannot overlook him.

It could be a blessing in disguise for Rangers, because his omission from the squad will keep him hungry and keep him keen to show he should be included.

The truth is that a player in the sort of form Penrice is in probably should be in a squad playing its first round of matches under the Belgian.

But the situation is what it is, and Penrice's time will come provided he continues to provide the goods in a Rangers shirt.