Scott Bain makes first Celtic matchday squad since August in Hamilton win

By David Walton

February 2, 2020

Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain was one of the unused substitutes today, but just being back around things will be a massive boost for him.

Indeed, the former Dundee goalkeeper hasn’t played since that horror night against Cluj at Parkhead (Transfermarkt). A long-term injury kept Bain out of the squads, and he seemed to become a bit of a forgotten man at the club.

Celtic’s Scott Bain (Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

However, today saw him make his first appearance since then in a matchday squad. This was reportedly down to the fact that Craig Gordon had a suspected foot injury (BBC, 02/02, 12:29).

Bain was Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper for the second half of last season. An unconvincing start to the campaign saw Fraser Forster brought in and Bain drop out. His injury, however, has certainly held him back.

A sign of things to come?

Over a year ago, it was Gordon who dropped out for Bain to get his chance in the team. Brendan Rodgers made the decision, and Bain helped take Celtic to a treble-treble.

What’ll now be interesting is whether the same thing happens this time around except on the bench. Forster will be the outstanding number one, but the battle to be first reserve is an intriguing one.

Gordon, of course, is into the final six months of his contract. Celtic didn’t want to let him leave in the January transfer window either (Daily Record). Therefore, with his current situation, it may be ideal to give Bain his spot on the bench permanently. Bain, after all, is going to be here for the long-term.

Scott Brown and Scott Bain (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Bain will do well to ever be Celtic’s number one once again. With the quality of goalkeeper that we have in nets in Forster, fans won’t want the club to take a step-down when he leaves in the summer.

However, even so, having him back amongst things is a boost. It comes at just the right time with Gordon injured, and ensures that we won’t be short for cover.

There weren’t many positives to our play overall this afternoon for long spells. Bain’s return, however, is a timely boost for the club.