Scott Bain’s performance against CFR Cluj last night has many Celtic fans calling time on his number one spot.
The Scotland international was trusted with making sure it was a smooth night in between the sticks. However, Bain blundered yet again to hand the tie to Cluj on a plate.
It wasn’t a night to remember for Scott Bain (Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
With Celtic in the ascendancy at 3-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate, Bain needlessly palmed a straight-forward strike into the path of Billel Omrani. The big striker powered the rebound into the roof of the net – ultimately costing us a place in the Champions League playoff round.
It followed his poor goal conceded from the first leg as well as Motherwell’s shocking opener on Saturday. Some supporters have now come to the conclusion they’ve seen enough. Here’s a look at what some are saying on social media:
Scott Bain has got away with it for awhile now. Too many times he’s been poor, he’s good way a ball at his feet but bring back Craig Gordon until we find a long term replacement. A shot stopper !!
— James Shevlin (@JamesShevlin11) August 14, 2019
Scott Browns handball why just why? For someone that experienced and a captain for him to do that was mind blowing absolutely bizzare and Scott Bain poor on Saturday once again tonight looked very uncomfortable in the Celtic goal #CeltArmy
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) August 14, 2019
Scott Bain is utter rubbish
— LAC (@LAC67_) August 13, 2019
Neither Gordon or Bain are the answer. We need a new keeper
— marc (@_mrc67) August 13, 2019
I’m now done with Bain. Always been a big fan, stuck up for him since the start. No longer. We need another keeper.
— Hargi (@hargi_) August 13, 2019
Celtic losing 4 goals at home to Cluj is embarrassing. Broony gifts penalty Bain now looks like a Dundee keeper and we spent 10 million on 2 defenders and don’t play them
— Steven (@spamcrolla) August 13, 2019
I'm going to say it & accept the abuse that comes my way.
Scott Bain is not good enough to be the first choice goalkeeper at Celtic Football Club.
— Celtic FC Fans & News 🍀 (@Celtic1967News) August 13, 2019
Bain should never be kicking a ball for Celtic again. The “he’s good with his feet” patter only goes so far
— Martin Hamilton (@MartinH8900) August 13, 2019
Bain’s performance raises a serious issue for Neil Lennon
Neil Lennon has to make a big decision here. Does he stick with Bain through what is by far the most difficult period of his Celtic career? Or does he make a judgment call and throw Craig Gordon back into the sticks?
With Gordon in the nets, Celtic would’ve seen that tie through last night against Cluj. There’s no denying he would’ve dealt with the initial strike for the third Cluj goal with more competence. Granted, the other three goals were difficult to stop, but it wouldn’t have surprised you if Gordon saved the one-on-one either.
Is it time to call on Craig Gordon once again? (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
The former Hearts man is a top shot-stopper. At the end of the day, he’s the best goalkeeper we currently have at the club.
Bain stated last month that Lennon wants his goalkeepers to start going long more often (Football Scotland). Surely, then, that means Bain’s comfort with the ball at his feet doesn’t matter as much anymore. That’s what he always had over Gordon. So if that’s become a less important aspect of how we play, surely Gordon should get thrown back in?
Neil Lennon has a big decision to make with his number one (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
In the long-term, Celtic need a new, confident number one. The Goalkeeper is suddenly becoming a priority position for the Hoops to strengthen in. And it’s a real shame it’s come to this too.
Lennon put his faith in Bain last night and it backfired big-time. The former Dundee stopper looked exactly that – a Dundee stopper. Either Bain finds his gloves again quickly or he’s in real trouble at Parkhead. Yesterday was a huge wake-up call.
