Scott Bain

Aye, that’ll be us with Scott Brown, Scott Bain and Scott Sinclair then. Brendan’s vision is well on it’s way.

 

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has intimated that he would like to tie up Scott Bain on a long-term contract after the goalkeeper has forced himself to the front of the queue at the club.

Brought in for emergency cover following a knee injury sustained by Craig Gordon, Bain has seized his chance to make an impression.

Handed the gloves for the 3-2 win over Rangers at Ibrox, a win that effectively cemented the league title, Bain has kept both his cool and his place. The likelihood is that he will earn himself a permanent deal at Celtic as Rodgers hinted at.

“I’ve spoken to Scott at length about the opportunity he could have here and, again, he’s a good example of a player other teams might look at and think he’s too small,” said the Celtic manager. “But for me, in terms of how we work, he’s absolutely perfect.

“His first game for us at Ibrox was a wonderful demonstration of personality, technique, composure under pressure plus he obviously makes saves. His profile is well suited to being here.

He’d already done well at Dundee but, for whatever reason, he found himself out of the team and the squad. He’s gone to Hibs, where Neil thought he was a good signing in spite of the fact he already had a well-established goalkeeper.

“We’ve been able to bring him here, though, and that’s been absolutely brilliant for us – and for him as well. He’s a very grounded personality - I really can’t imagine ever falling out with him, put it that way.”

And Rodgers also believes that the player’s unorthodox journey to where he is now has helped him appreciate exactly what he has.

“If you look at his story, it’s fabulous; from working on a building site to this,” he said. “I look at him and he’s a great age – he’s played over 200 games, he’s done the dirty work and it hasn’t always been easy for him and, when players get an opportunity after going through those times, they really want to grasp it.

“He’s come here, into a facility where he can improve – he can also look after his diet, which is important. He has no commitments to anything else, no relationship and no children so he can concentrate on his football and developing as a player. And how we want him to play is compatible with his strengths.

“These last couple of games have shown our supporters that, goodness me, he’s a really good ‘keeper. He’s a joy to work with, always smiling and, while he has great humility, he’s also not intimidated in any way. I’ve been delighted for him.”

Bain turned up on the final night of the transfer window still in his Hibs training kit which Rodgers joked about.

“When you think about it, to turn up and sign for a club while wearing another club’s tracksuit – when I saw that I thought: ‘Well, it could have been plasterboards and a trowel…’” he smiled.

“Listen, I worked in a * warehouse for four-and-a-half years and it made me – it makes you appreciate the life you’re needing now. So I know all about that journey and it’s great that it’s happened to him now. Sometimes it can happen to guys at 32 or 33 and they’re left with that ‘If only…’ thing but this is a chance that he’s not only been given but he’s taken it as well.”

With Gordon back on the training ground, Rodgers will have a decision to make over his first choice keeper. Not that he is overly concerned by the call.

“I don’t need to worry about that now,” he shrugged. “Scott has come in and done exceptionally well. Craig is an outstanding goalkeeper. His time line was to be back in April and then that is the decisions you make as a manager. Craig has been brilliant for me in my time as a manager, no doubt about that, but he’ll be back at some point in April. He is out on the field now doing some work with Stevie Woods and soon we will have all our goalkeepers in contention. Young Conor Hazard is also doing great out at Falkirk. He is a big one for the future so it looks very healthy.”

 

Don't agree with the single man concept, if he was married Brendan could just as easily said he's settled down and happy at home so he can concentrate on his career. Apart from that, the story of his journey to this level at Celtic and the way he has handled the pressure is very impressive.

I still think Gordon should be first choice as long as he's 100% fit but it's a good feeling knowing that if he's not then we have a back up keeper who might be better than him, we've just not seen him fully tested yet but I think he will not let us down when that time comes.

We want that kind of fight for every position on the field but it's so difficult as Izzy showed us with KT, Izzy wanted first team football and we can understand that because he's a good talent for a decent team.

I hope Roberts stays another season and fights for his place with Forrest, it's a great test for a player and I'm sure it's part of the reason Jamesy is playing so well, along with Brendan's psychology.

 

Working with Stevie Woods and Craig Gordon every day will bring on his game hugely, not to mention that he’s not even close to the peak of his career as a goalkeeper.

Just want a keeper that keeps it simple at the back and not doing any kung-fu kicks, Bain looks far more composed than 2 highly experienced keepers.

 

He made another great save yesterday.

Wolves and Stoke want him, apparently.

 

Bain Number 1, Hazard number 2 next season

 

Hope Bain is right back in the team and Dorus only plays against Dundee cause Bain is prevented from!!!

 

I’m not sure he’s a fullback, mate.

 

Would prefer him in goals mate.

 

* you vertie

 

I really hope Bain signs.. i think he can learn from Gordon, and more importantly i think Gordon could be improved by watching Bain ie how he commands the box etc, DDV should never have been signed .. not even an average keeper.

 

Think we will sign a keeper, hopefully get shot of Dorus

 

Think that's exactly what will happen..

He's really really surprised me with his quality. Never rated him much at Dundee. Seemed a flapper and always liable to make a howler..

Even yesterday when he didn't have much to do is when you see good goalkeepers and how their concentration is. Made 2 good saves, 1 first half and the good cross he cut out and then some of his distribution is excellent..

He's definitely staying..

 

Hope he does stay. You think Gordon may go too?

 

Think both he and Brendan have mentioned this week about the possibility of him staying. I'd be very very surprised if we didn't take him on a free after his performances..

No chance Gordon goes....even though I do think we need better but can see these 2 being the 1 and 2 and De Vries hopefully getting retired..

 

Dorus in for Wednesday then that should be it Bain will be number 1 for the rest of the season

 

Is Bain cup tied then?

 

Great save early doors....well done to Scott Bain for taking his chance.

 

Actually forgot all about that, * DDV in the semi-final