Leaving the comfort of Celtic to rebuild his career at Falkirk was a massive gamble for Scott Bain, but it is paying off so far.
After spending years on the Celtic bench, the 34-year-old goalkeeper desperately needed regular minutes, and his stellar performances for overachieving Falkirk have completely vindicated his decision.
By proving his worth week in and week out in the Scottish Premiership, Bain has successfully fought his way back into Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad.
Now, with the summer fast approaching, his chances of securing a shock ticket to the 2026 World Cup look incredibly high, and every Celtic supporter is delighted to see him do well.
Were Celtic right to let Scott Bain leave in the summer?
Bain could be heading to the World Cup with Scotland
Scott Bain’s stats at Falkirk could result in an ultimate World Cup ticket
Given the troubles Celtic have had with Kasper Schmeichel this season, you could argue that Bain probably would have had more than a chance to play this season.
There might even be some Celtic supporters who would prefer Bain over the declining Schmeichel, who has probably now been dethroned from the number one spot by Viljami Sinisalo.
Either way, Bain is going from strength to strength for a Falkirk side, newly promoted this season, and will comfortably finish in the Premiership’s top six.
| Premiership games | Goals conceded per game | Saves per game | Goals conceded | Saves | Penalty saves | Clean sheets | Team of the Week | Sofascore rating |
| 29 | 1.3 | 3.1 | 38 | 89 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 7.26 |
Could a former Celtic hero end Bain’s Scotland dreams?
Bain’s commanding performances have rightfully caught Clarke’s attention, placing a once-unlikely 2026 World Cup call-up squarely within his grasp.
Yet, the biggest threat to his international ambitions comes from a man who knows the Celtic Park goalmouth all too well – Craig Gordon.
| Steve Clarke on Gordon’s absence | Clarke on GK competition |
| “There is a change in the goalkeeping department with Angus Gunn – who missed the November camp – replacing Craig Gordon, who is out.” | “There is nothing between the three of them… it is always difficult when you’ve got three good goalkeepers.” |
While Bain offers current match sharpness and undeniable domestic momentum, his predecessor brings an aura of authority and decades of high-stakes experience.
Clarke has historically valued loyalty and proven pedigree on the biggest stages.
Even as Gordon navigates the twilight of his illustrious career at Premiership leaders Hearts, his monumental standing within the Scotland setup means Bain’s phenomenal club resurgence still might not be enough to dislodge the veteran when the final squad is named.
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