It is no coincidence that Celtic have looked a much better side after Scott Bain replaced Craig Gordon in goals.
Gordon had been the number one goalkeeper for most of Brendan Rodgers’ time in charge of the club. He has been a mainstay in the side for the past five years. However, he was replaced by Bain after a very poor performance in the 1-0 loss to Rangers in December.
Gordon did pull off some great saves in that game. It has to be remembered though that most of the Rangers chances were created by Gordon. His passing from the back was brutal, and badly affected his team-mates.
He was a liability that day, and his confidence looked shot.
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Therefore, it wasn’t that much of a shock when Bain replaced Gordon in goal following the winter break. Bain seems to be the opposite of Gordon in goals. He exudes calmness and doesn’t seem to panic.
Indeed, such has been Bain’s influence on the side that the Hoops have kept six clean sheets in a row.
Perhaps it isn’t time to write off Gordon just yet. After all, he has lost his place in the side before, to Dorus de Vries, and won it back.
It does seem in this instance though that Gordon is unlikely to win back his starting place unless Bain is injured.
The goalkeeping position seems to be Bain’s permanently, and it should be for the remainder of the season.