James Penrice talks about his own Hearts song, Scotland aims, Liverpool and Arsenal factor, plus Cercle tie
The defender is savouring the opportunity that awaits his team in Belgium.
As Hearts defender James Penrice is now learning, having your own song as a football player sets you apart from the others. Supporters recently performed a really catchy song in appreciation of Penrice’s outstanding performances. He has perhaps been the most reliable player in maroon since moving from Livingston to Tynecastle Park in the summer.
The number of fans reacting is high. Those who travelled to Belgium for Thursday’s match against Cercle Brugge in the UEFA Conference League are having a great time. In recent days, Penrice’s own song went viral on social media and even made it to the player. He made an effort to downplay it, but he knows that his efforts on the pitch are appreciated.
“The music was sent to me several times yesterday. It’s always positive,” he grinned. It’s most likely the first one I own. For my family, more specifically. They are proud of the things they can gaze at. Before I signed, I stated that I could come in and have an influence here. I believe I’ve accomplished that. There was never a pre-season for me. I feel now
Could lead to Scotland recognition if it continues? Neil Critchley, the Hearts head coach, believes Penrice would deserve an international call-up. “We had a conversation about my ambitions,” said the left-back. “For my career, I mentioned that Scotland was one of them. I don’t see why not. I’m at a huge club. If I keep playing, I’ve got to have a chance.
There is stiff competition in his area at international level. He would need to compete with Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney among others for a Scotland shirt. “It’s no’ bad fight, isn’t it?” smiled Penrice. “Playing against big teams, you need to go and perform. That’s what I want to do. I want to perform every game and see where it takes me.”
His former Livingston team-mate Nicky Devlin has won two Scotland caps since joining Aberdeen in 2023 and could be viewed as inspiration for Penrice. “Absolutely. Nicky’s been brilliant. It wasn’t a long time ago he was with Livingston. It’s hard work and that’s what gets you where you need to go.”
“Every game should be the same. You should want to win. Whether there’s 15,000 Hearts fans or 5,000 Hearts fans, you should want to go and win games. There’s a belief from us and a demand from ourselves that we can go and do that. Europe has been good to be fair. Playing where I was last year and then coming here and playing on big European nights, it’s been good. I’ve said it before, I think the big games every couple of days and then playing in Europe, it was a massive attraction and I’m just glad I’m doing it.
“It was a little strange the first time I heard the [Conference League] anthem that was played before the game. Even though this year has been extremely hectic, my family and I have had an amazing year, and I am looking forward to upcoming games. Really, you simply have to take each game as it comes. The same will apply. The focus is on tomorrow and getting three points on the board, but after this game we’ll look to Sunday.
Although the left-back’s move from Livingston to Hearts appeared seamless, he clarified that things weren’t exactly that way in practice. “If it looks like that, that’s probably good. I won’t lie, it’s been challenging,” he remarked. It was a distinct style of play. That’s something I’ve had to adjust to. Additionally, I didn’t really have a pre-season. From January onwards, things were challenging, but once I realised this was going to happen, everything became exciting. All I want to do is step onto the pitch and attempt to win.
