Stephen McGinn is right to suggest that Steve Clarke must consider Scott Bain for Scotland’s 2026 World Cup squad, having watched the former Celtic goalkeeper excel week in and week out.
The Falkirk coach sees the shot-stopper’s quality up close and insists Bain is ready for the international stage.
McGinn, who is the older brother of Scotland and Aston Villa star John, made his feelings clear, stating that: ‘I obviously have a bias with Bain. I think he has been as good as anyone in the league this year.’
He added that the 34-year-old ‘ticks the box in terms of being experienced’ and knows exactly what it takes, having ‘played in Celtic and Rangers games.’
Bain could easily have remained in a comfortable environment at Parkhead as a backup.
Instead, he took the massive risk of moving to newly-promoted Falkirk. That bravery has paid off in impressive style under the guidance of John McGlynn, with his stellar form helping guide the Bairns to an expected top-six finish in the Premiership.
Has he done enough?
Stephen McGinn backs Scott Bain to earn Scotland World Cup call after Celtic exit
Bain’s performances have rightly earned him a recall to the Scotland squad for this week’s friendlies against Japan and the Ivory Coast.
But Clarke should go one step further and reward Bain’s bravery in leaving Celtic by putting him on the plane for the 2026 World Cup this summer, which is going to be co-hosted by the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.
If Bain does make the final cut, he could find himself starting or being picked ahead of former Hoops hero Craig Gordon, who is desperately hoping for one last international hurrah.
The Hearts shot-stopper played a key role in Scotland reaching the World Cup after that famous win over Denmark, and this is what McGinn had to say about the goalkeeping battle on Go Radio.
“I think it’s going to be a real fight for Gordon to make it to the 2026 World Cup,” said McGinn. “You would like him to cap off a wonderful, not just club career, but Scotland career. He would be great to have on the plane.
“I obviously have a bias with Scott Bain. I think he has been as good as anyone in the league this year. Playing regularly. Knows what it’s like to play for a big club.
“I think he is a fresh option for Steve Clarke. He ticks the box in terms of being experienced. He has played in Celtic and Rangers games.
“But following on from my last point, as much as I would like Scott to play, I think Clarke will go with his tried and trusted. I think he will play with Angus Gunn.”
Bain’s record at Falkirk this season
You have several big names sitting in the bottom half of the Premiership table, including out-of-sorts Aberdeen.
But one of the reasons those established Premiership are struggling is because Falkirk have pushed them out of the way.
Two more games remain before the split, and Falkirk need one more point to all but secure a top-six finish.
Added to that, they are in the Scottish Cup semi-final, where they will face Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline, and a possible final meeting with Celtic.
- Bain’s Premiership games: 30
- Goals conceded: 40
- Clean sheets: 7
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