James Penrice insists Rangers are focused on securing three points against Hearts as he prepares to face his former club at Tynecastle.
The left-back, who joined Rangers on loan from AEK Athens with an option to buy in August, knows exactly what to expect from the Edinburgh side after previously representing the Jambos.
With significant attention surrounding the fixture, Penrice acknowledged the noise around the game but stressed that Rangers' priority remains delivering a result on the pitch.
“Everyone's kind of aware of the noise around the game, so it should be a good game and hopefully we're ahead,” he said.
“Just treat it as every game. There's obviously noise outside, but at the end of the day, it's three points and we're coming to get them.”
Penrice knows the Tynecastle challenge
Having previously played for Hearts, spending a year in Gorgie after joining from Livingston in 2024, Penrice is well aware of the challenge Rangers face in Edinburgh.
Tynecastle has developed a reputation as a difficult venue for visiting teams, with the home support and intensity of the atmosphere often making it an uncomfortable place to play.
Penrice acknowledged that history but believes Rangers can take advantage if they execute their game plan.
“It's always a difficult place to come, I think,” he said. “You look over the years, obviously unbeaten as well for a large period, but we'll be looking to come here, put our game plan to it and go and get three points,” he explained.
Rangers have enjoyed a strong spell of results, and Penrice believes the confidence within the dressing room can help them rise to the occasion.
“Massive,” he said when asked about the squad's confidence. “I think it's a good run we're on, obviously. It's a massive run that we're on and I think we can continue that tonight.”
Rangers versatility pleases Penrice
Penrice has also been asked to operate in different positions since arriving at Rangers, including taking on a midfield role.
However, the defender is happy to adapt to whatever is required as he looks to make his contribution to the team.
“For me, I love it. I love just playing,” he said.
“Anywhere the manager asks me to go, I'll play. No, it's fine with me, whatever position I play.”
That willingness to take on different responsibilities could prove valuable during a demanding run of fixtures, with Rangers needing contributions from across the squad.
Penrice believes the key to leaving Tynecastle with a positive result will be following the manager's instructions and making the most of the quality available in the Rangers team.
“We're obviously sticking to the game plan,” he added. “We've got a way we think we can win, so if we're going to do that, I think with the players we've got on the pitch, the quality we've got, we should definitely be looking to get three points.”
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