Belgium vs Scotland could be a key indicator of Scott Bain’s place

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Belgium vs Scotland will hopefully provide Scott Bain with the starting place he didn’t deserve to lose.

It was always going to be a position under threat. Steve Clarke’s appointment as new Scotland manager was always going to see him put his own stamp on the squad.

Therefore, it wasn’t overly-surprising to see Bain lost his Scotland place to veteran David Marshall against Cyprus. The latter is an experienced, safe pair of hands. He’s been part of some of Scotland’s most high-pressure World Cup and European Qualification matches over the years.

But there’s also no denying that Bain hadn’t done anything to deserve being dropped. He ended the season a treble-treble winner with Celtic, and had performed well enough for Scotland in his two competitive appearances so far.

Sure, the 3-0 loss in Kazkahstan was embarrassing. But for all three goals, Bain was largely exposed. He then followed that up with an expected clean sheet against San Marino. Since then, his form for Celtic had seen him concede just five goals in 11 games. He’s flying, even if there were some dodgy moments at times in the closing games against Hearts.

A big few days lay ahead for Bain

Clarke’s appointment has, however, subsequently landed a blow on Bain regarding his international chances. And the starting XI for Tuesday night’s vital Euro 2020 qualifier in Belgium is now even more intriguing.

If Clarke once again sticks with Marshall, it’s safe to say Bain is no longer Scotland number one. His place will have been taken by the Hull City man, whether we want to admit it or not.

However, it could still be the case that Clarke is still wanting to run the rule over both of them. That could see Bain given a shot in Brussels if that’s the case, and would likely also ease his nerves over the number one spot.

It’s clear that Bain has an unexpected battle back on his hands for the number one position anyway. With Allan McGregor retired from international football, and Craig Gordon not playing regularly because of Bain at Celtic, it looked like it was our number one’s spot to lose.

Clarke’s appointment and subsequent calling up of Marshall appears to have changed that idea. Hopefully, Bain can get a shot on Tuesday night. If not, he has big work to do.