Report: Rarely-seen Celtic man impressing Postecoglou at Lennoxtown; set for major reward

By Euan Davidson

November 23, 2021

Seldom-seen Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain is set for a new deal at the club, according to the Scottish Daily Express.

The Express’ report says that Ange Postecoglou is impressed by Bain’s work ethic in training. Although he’s not featured in goals since the arrival of Joe Hart, he remains in the squad on match-days.

Bain, who has three Scotland caps, has played 72 times for Celtic [Transfermarkt]. During that time he’s kept an impressive 37 clean sheets. That said, his command of the box and ability to stop shots from close range has been a long-standing issue.

Last season, for example, he was ineffective in Europe, and conceded questionable goals against Rangers. In fact, the goalkeeping department was a source of immense frustration last season.

What this means for Vasilis Barkas is probably quite clear. If Bain agrees a new deal, it’ll surely be as the main back-up to Joe Hart. Barkas, meanwhile, has looked nowhere near the first-team.

Tobi Oluwayemi, from the B Team, has seen bench appearances for the Bhoys in Europe. He’s also impressed the likes of Stevie Woods, Joe Hart and John Kennedy. Celtic also have Conor Hazard in the pecking order.

Trust the process, but is a new deal for Celtic ‘keeper Scott Bain the best idea?

Clearly, we’re not privy to what happens at training every day. If Scott Bain is prime Dino Zoff at Lennoxtown, then fair play. His distribution is generally decent, and he’s comfortable receiving the ball in open play. Stopping shots though? Not always.

What’s clear is that something will have to give. Joe Hart is the clear number 1. Beyond him, neither Bain nor Barkas should be happy playing back-up.

If Bain is, though, then it’s something. Postecoglou will want players he can rely upon. He’s seen something we haven’t, and at 30, Bain still has plenty of years left, if he’s improving.

He would need to improve, though. In big matches, his reactions and his anticipation just weren’t good enough. Letting Alfredo Morelos, hitherto allergic to goals against Celtic, hit it past you near post? Shocking.

We Trust the Process, obviously. However, Bain isn’t a goalkeeper who inspires a great deal of confidence from the Celtic faithful.

If this report is correct and he’s being given a new deal, it won’t be an entirely popular decision, likeable as Bain is.

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