Celtic

Bain should start Old Firm over Gordon

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Image for Bain should start Old Firm over Gordon

OPINION

Celtic are in line for a massive boost as number one goalkeeper Craig Gordon approaches full fitness following a serious knee injury.

As reported by the Evening Times, the 35-year-old stopper could be fit to return against Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final on the 15th of April.

Gordon suffered the knee injury in a clash against Hibernian two months ago, and was initially thought to be set for 12 weeks on the sidelines, but could return early to face the Light Blues.

While the obvious move from Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers would be to put Gordon straight back into the side against the Gers, he must refrain from doing so.

Dundee loanee Scott Bain has been in brilliant form during Gordon’s absence, and has now firmly established himself ahead of Dorus de Vries in the pecking order.

There is no point in rushing Gordon back into action when Bain has been deputising so capably, with the veteran stopper to be off the pace after so long on the sidelines.

There is also another deeper reason why Rodgers should trust Bain between the sticks in the Old Firm.

The Dundee man’s contract at Dens Park is coming to an end this summer, and his form at Parkhead since his January loan move has offered a potential glimpse into the future for Celtic.

There is weight to the argument that Celtic should swoop for Bain on a free transfer and make him their number one in the long-term, and a further test against Rangers will help their decision in that.

Gordon is now 35 years old and his career is slowly coming to an end, meaning that the Hoops will need to come up with  a long-term solution in goal.

There is no reason why Bain cannot be that man.

This is not to say that Gordon should not play for the rest of the season and be offloaded this summer, but just that Bain should be trusted to get the job done in what would be a big audition for the role in the future.

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