Falkirk manager John McGlynn has expressed strong support for goalkeeper Scott Bain, suggesting he has the potential to become Scotland's first-choice goalkeeper. This endorsement follows Bain's exceptional performance in Falkirk's 2-0 win against Celtic, a display McGlynn described as the "game of his life."
Bain, 34, has been in outstanding form this season, and his numerous crucial saves were instrumental in preventing the defending champions Celtic from scoring. Falkirk secured their victory with goals from Ethan Ross and Scott Tanser.
The goalkeeper was recently included in the squad for Scotland's Nations League matches under new national team manager Sebastien Pocognoli, though he remained on the bench with Angus Gunn starting. McGlynn believes Bain has demonstrated sufficient quality to warrant an opportunity to add to his four international caps in upcoming fixtures.
"I don't want to take anything away from the outfield players but Scott Bain had the game of his life," McGlynn stated. "I've been pushing Scotty for a while because I know how good and calm and good with his feet he is. Everything you want he'll deliver. Wherever you are, he can't go unnoticed. He could easily be doing a job for Celtic but I'm delighted we've got him and he's producing the goods which can only help us going forwards."
McGlynn also commended his team's overall performance, which marked Falkirk's fourth consecutive Premiership victory and propelled them to fourth in the league table. He highlighted the early goal as a significant advantage and praised the team's defensive efforts, particularly their handling of set plays and Bain's role in thwarting Celtic's attacks.
"Huge credit to my players," he said. "It was a remarkable shift. It was a great start. To get a goal so early is beyond your wildest dreams because you're usually chasing the game. We defended well and defended set plays and he [Bain] was there to save or punch."
He also lauded Scott Tanser's calmness in scoring the second goal, noting that Tanser has not featured extensively this season. The manager expressed delight with the team's current momentum, with four wins and three clean sheets in a row.
"There's been a togetherness that's taken us to another rung of the ladder and they've gone the extra mile for each other. Today will increase our determination and desire to get better. It's going to give them a huge boost. At the start we had some big fixtures which is difficult when you're putting a team together. We had the confidence going into this game and we'll go to Tynecastle with a lot of confidence, [but] Hearts have been exceptional there."
This victory was Falkirk's first against either of Glasgow's Old Firm clubs since their return to the top flight. McGlynn acknowledged the significance of this achievement, stating, "It was one of the boxes left to tick. Thankfully we've done that."