Falkirk brick wall Bain boosts Scotland chances

Published1 hour ago

Highlights: Falkirk v Celtic

1/11/26

Scott Bain must be praying that Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli was watching on as Falkirk ended a 19-year wait to beat Celtic.

The former Celtic goalkeeper was imperious, unbeatable, as Falkirk ran out 2-0 winners to earn a fourth win on the bounce and reach fourth place in the Scottish Premiership.

An absolute brick wall as he earned a third clean sheet in a row.

Not that all the praise should go his way. Everyone in Bairns blue delivered, but Bain was inspired, making save after save to deny Celtic on a day that will go down in Falkirk folklore. One that intensified the pressure on Martin O'Neill's side.

With the Scotland squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures announced this week, surely Bain has enhanced his chances of pushing for not just a place in the squad but potentially the chance to stake a claim for a starting role.

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'Unbelievable' Bain stands out between the sticks

Bain made nine saves against Celtic, with a number of them outstanding, as his side kept a clean sheet for the third game in a row.

That's now a run of 342 minutes without conceding a goal for the Bairns.

"Scott Bain was unbelievable," former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner enthused. "Absolutely unbelievable.

"It was a terrific display from Falkirk defensively. Falkirk deserve it. They've got a terrific young team."

Bain himself explained how he felt as he zoned in on repelling Celtic no matter what they threw at him.

"I felt really confident in the game," he said. "I felt confident in the players and the game plan and I knew that I would be called upon, but it just felt like one of those days where they weren't going to score.

"You can't really get a better day as a goalkeeper than thinking that you're not going to be beaten. So, really, really pleased for my own performance, but more so pleased for the team. It's a fantastic step in the right direction."

Bain a bedrock in Falkirk's rise under McGlynn

The Scotland international extended his Falkirk contract in January and is tied to the club until the summer of 2028, with the option of a further year.

At the time, manager John McGlynn stated that "he's been outstanding from the moment he walked into the club".

After this fabulous display, he lavished even more praise on his number one, who turns 35 this month.

"Scott Bain had two really outstanding saves [in the first half] and there might have been another very good save, but there weren't as many as there were in the second half where he had to continuously produce," he said.

"So a huge thank you to Scott for the actual game he's had today."

No talk of that just being his job but genuine thanks for a memorable afternoon that went a long way to delivering a memorable win.

Bain took a step out of his comfort zone as back-up at Celtic. A sizeable drop in salary to pursue his ambition of regular game time. Days like this surely make that decision justified.

So what of Scotland?

With Scotland lacking the sort of goalkeeping depth they enjoyed for so many years, displays like this can certainly do no harm.

There's an argument that Bain, outside of his shot-stopping ability that was on full display against Celtic, has the type of composure with his feet that may suit Pocognoli's approach.

"I think I've performed well since the last camp and I think I've been performing well throughout the season," Bain added.

"So I would hope to be in it [Scotland squad]. I really enjoyed the last camp. I really enjoyed the way the manager worked and seeing what he wants from his team.

"I'd be delighted if I can get back in and experience more time with him."

This time, the four-time capped goalkeeper may have enhanced his chances of adding to that tally.

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Scottish Premiership

Falkirk

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