Scott Bain’s record as Celtic goalkeeper has been quite sensational since coming into the role.
He was perhaps one of the forgotten men during the first part of the season. Despite playing every match in the Betfred Cup and conceding just one goal, he wasn’t particularly used much by Brendan Rodgers.
Premiership opportunities against Livingston and Dundee did occur. Unsurprisingly, he managed to keep two clean sheets in those outings too. But even then, not many would’ve been seriously vouching for him as Scottish football’s best goalkeeper.
But his stats prove he’s exactly that.
Since the beginning of the season, Bain is joint-top for clean sheets in Scotland. He’s managed to gather 15 in 18 Premiership games. Only Rangers’ Allan McGregor has managed the exact same clean sheet record, and, incredibly, he’s had 34 matches in which to gather the same amount.
What makes Bain’s record incredible is how quickly he’s picked up those shutouts. Rodgers only replaced Craig Gordon with Bain as his number one back in late January. Every other goalkeeper in the division has had a full half a season more to reach those figures.
Goodness knows what Bain’s clean sheet record would be if he featured week-in, week-out during the first half of the campaign.
Safe hands personified
Overall, he’s racked up 22 clean sheets in 30 appearances this term. But Bain hasn’t been fortunate either, he’s shown real class when needed. Just look at yesterday for example.
When Aberdeen had their tails up at Pittodrie, Bain stood tall to deny Sam Cosgrove from close-range with a big save. His stunning display in Valencia, as well as key stops against the likes of Hearts, Hibs, and Kilmarnock have proved key for us.
Added to that, he’s not been sent off once either. Unlike other goalkeepers in the league who lose their cool regularly, Bain is the definition of composure. He eases through matches, and you trust him with the ball at his feet more than you did Gordon.
Some may not yet be convinced, but the stats tell you all you need to know. Since January, Bain has been, by far, the best goalkeeper in the country. He’s racked up more clean sheets during that period than anyone else in the division, and is doing it in style too.
Fortunately for us, Bain’s calmness means he’ll be able to play at Ibrox next Sunday. The same can’t be said of McGregor.
At the moment, whether some want to admit it or not, Bain is number one in the land.
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