Scott Bain produced a man-of-the-match display for Falkirk against Dundee United, making eight crucial saves and showcasing distribution that could place him firmly in the thoughts of new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli.
The 34-year-old’s performance at Tannadice raises the question of whether he is the natural successor to the void left by Craig Gordon’s retirement. With other recent World Cup squad goalkeepers Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly struggling for first-team regularity, Bain’s current form makes him a compelling candidate.
Falkirk manager John McGlynn was effusive in his praise, stating that Bain ticks every box for a national team goalkeeper. “If you’re looking for a goalkeeper who can play from the back and still make saves and bring composure and calmness to your defence, then I think Scott ticks all the boxes,” McGlynn said. He added, “I have no doubt that the manager will be looking at him.”
Bain was instrumental in preserving a point for Falkirk, denying several Dundee United chances before Michael Forbes’ stoppage-time header canceled out their efforts. United’s assistant manager Lee Sharp acknowledged the goalkeeper’s impact, noting his ability to repel shots on target and affirming that Bain had done nothing to harm his international prospects.
The statistics support Bain’s resurgence. He has kept 10 clean sheets in 44 appearances for Falkirk, improving on his record at Celtic where he maintained a clean sheet in half of his 78 games. Additionally, he secured 21 clean sheets during his time at Dundee.
Bain earned his first Scotland cap under Alex McLeish in a 2018 friendly against Mexico, adding three more appearances before his last call-up in a pre-World Cup match against Ivory Coast in March. He was omitted from the final World Cup squad.
With Pocognoli set to announce his first squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, Bain’s recent excellence suggests he may yet receive a fresh opportunity to represent his country.
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