Celtic star Scott Bain denies confirmation that he’ll be Scotland number one

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Celtic’s new first-choice goalkeeper Scott Bain has denied confirmation that he’ll be Scotland’s new number one.

Allan McGregor recently retired from international duty for Scotland. That came ahead of a crucial Euro 2020 qualification double-header against Kazakhstan and San Marino this week.

Scotland manager Alex McLeish then selected Bain, Jordan Archer, and Jon McLaughlin to his original squad. Archer has since dropped out, with Livingston’s Liam Kelly coming in as his replacement.

Out of the three in the squad, Bain is the one playing at the highest level. He’s been Celtic number one since the return from the winter break, and has kept 11 clean sheets in 15 appearances.

Despite that, the Celtic goalkeeper has told the Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 34, Page 21) that he hasn’t been informed of McLeish’s decision.

“I’ve not heard anything in terms of who might be first-choice for Scotland. It’s a great opportunity for the three of us, and it’s one that all of us will be looking to take.

“For myself, it’s just a case of this being another opportunity. At Celtic, what I’ve seen is that whenever you get an opportunity, you’ve got to take it.

“They come few and far between. So if I get the nod to play then I’ll be ready to grasp it.”

Surely one of McLeish’s easiest decisions

Scotland manager McLeish will have some head-scratchers for his team tomorrow. This, however, simply shouldn’t be one of them.

Bain is the standout candidate and is the goalkeeper in the best form.

Whilst Kelly at Livingston has had a solid season, he’s conceded in nine of his last 11 games.

McLaughlin, meanwhile, has conceded in nine of his last 14 games for Sunderland. Both goalkeepers are terrific options as alternatives, but Bain is playing at the highest level and for the biggest club.

He also usurped Scotland’s number two goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Gordon isn’t in this current Scotland squad, but that’s likely thanks to his injury.

If Bain is overlooked tomorrow afternoon, he would have every right to roll his eyes. He’s made stunning saves both domestically and in Europe this season. He, at the very least, deserves his chance to impress tomorrow.