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Bain's compelling case for Scotland No.1 spot
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- Bain's compelling case for Scotland No.1 spot
[BBC]
Sunday was one of those special days at the Falkirk Stadium when everything came together.
Confidence, belief and the bit of luck you need to beat either of the Old Firm were all there as we claimed a victory over Celtic to savour.
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Given some of our performances since returning to the top flight, particularly at home against the two Glasgow heavyweights, I felt a result like this was overdue.
There is no denying, though, Scott Bain played an enormous part in getting us over the line. In fact, that was probably the best performance I have ever seen from a Falkirk goalkeeper.
As Bain said afterwards, he felt like nothing was going to get past him, and watching from the stands, you began to feel the same.
Naturally, his heroics have prompted calls for him to become Scotland's number one in the forthcoming Nations League matches. Ask anyone of a Falkirk persuasion, however, and they will tell you his case was compelling well before Sunday.
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Bain was among the Scottish Premiership's standout goalkeepers last season. This term, I would put him ahead of the rest.
His shot-stopping understandably grabbed the headlines against Celtic, but there is much more to his game. His distribution is excellent, often spraying passes out to the full-backs with the composure and accuracy of a midfielder.
That ability makes him a natural fit for the way we play and the possession-based style new Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli wants to implement.
One of John McGlynn's greatest strengths is his ability to improve players. Even in the twilight of his career, Bain looks to have benefited from a touch of McGlynn's magic.
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Sunday might have brought Bain's form to a wider audience, but those of us watching every week have needed little convincing. Surely he has earned his opportunity between the sticks against North Macedonia at Hampden.
