Celtic interim manager Neil Lennon has backed goalkeeper Scott Bain to take the Scotland number one jersey.
The national side are facing a decision over their goalkeeping options after Allan McGregor announced his retirement earlier this week, and the Hoops’ boss believes his man has what it takes to claim the vacant spot.
As quoted by Planet Radio, Lennon said: “I think he probably will be number one for Scotland. I’m not trying to tell Big Eck (Alex McLeish) how to do his job but he has been in superb form.
“I know him very well. I had him at Hibs for a brief time so I am a big fan of his. The improvement in him since he has come here has been huge. He has really filled into the jersey and he has been exceptionally good and I will be delighted if he is number one. I’m sure he won’t let anybody down.
“It has been meteoric, the last year or so for him. There is nice composure about him, he has got good hands, a good agility and he’s certainly playing very well for me.”
OPINION
Being a goalkeeper can be tough purely on the basis of how hard it can be to break into a side. Whereas there a numerous positions for outfield players to fill, there’s only one stopper, and that issue is accentuated even more when you get to international level. McGregor calling time on his international career is obviously a huge blow for Scotland, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise. With Craig Gordon not much younger than the Gers keeper, and with him being kept out of the Celtic side by Bain, you would have to say that the Hoops’ number one is pretty much in the driving seat when it comes to McLeish choosing a successor. He has proven in recent times just how reliable he is, and from being a relative unknown when he signed for the club as cover for Gordon, he has blossomed into a top, top goalkeeper. Everything is set for him to take that next step now.