Bain’s Goalkeeping Heroics Spark Scotland Squad Conversation

Dundee United players will undoubtedly curse Bain’s name after Saturday’s frustrating draw. The Falkirk goalkeeper produced a series of stunning saves to keep his side in contention.

Full-back Kevin Ciubotaru saw his shot diverted from the bottom corner, while United debutant Lyall Cameron watched helplessly as Bain denied him.

Zidane Iqbal arrowed an effort toward the top corner, only for Bain to tip it over the bar, and Neil Farrugia also found the goalkeeper in exceptional form.

It was a heroic display of defiance that nearly earned Falkirk their first league victory of the season, until Michael Forbes’ stoppage-time header rescued a point for United.

After a costly error at Celtic Park last weekend, Bain returned to top form and justified his reputation.

United assistant manager Lee Sharp praised Bain’s contribution, stating that his performance has done his Scotland prospects no harm whatsoever.

“Absolutely,” Sharp confirmed. “He made two or three really good saves in the second half.”

That assessment may have even understated the situation. Falkirk faced 27 shots, nine of them on target, yet Bain repelled every one until the late equalizer.

The goalkeeper has now reached 44 appearances for Falkirk, recording 10 clean sheets. He kept a clean sheet in half of his 78 appearances for Celtic prior to that, and at Dundee he recorded 21 clean sheets across 124 games.

Alex McLeish handed Bain his Scotland debut against Mexico in June 2018, and he earned three further caps. His most recent appearance came against Ivory Coast in a pre-World Cup friendly in March, though he missed out on the final squad.

In current form, Bain has every right to hope for renewed international consideration under Pocognoli’s ambitious vision for Scottish football.

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