Is Bain on course to be Scotland's number one?

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain may have strengthened his case for a Scotland recall with a standout performance against Dundee United. Bain made eight saves in a match Falkirk were close to winning, before a stoppage-time equaliser denied them victory. The 34-year-old, who has four Scotland caps, was praised by manager John McGlynn for his shot-stopping, calmness and ability to play out from the back.

The timing could be significant because new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is preparing to name his first squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures. BBC Sport notes that Scotland’s goalkeeping options have been affected by Craig Gordon’s retirement and limited recent first-team football for Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly, both of whom were part of the World Cup squad. That has led to discussion over whether Bain could become a realistic option again.

Bain’s display came after a difficult outing at Celtic Park the previous week, and both his manager and Dundee United assistant Lee Sharp said he had done his international chances no harm. The BBC piece also places his form in context: he has made 44 appearances for Falkirk and previously had 124 games for Dundee, where he kept 21 clean sheets. His last Scotland appearance came in a pre-World Cup friendly against Ivory Coast in March, after his debut against Mexico in 2018.