Celtic have thoroughly dominated the Scottish football scenario in this decade and the supremacy continued even after their famous rivals Rangers‘ return to the top tier. The Hoops, under Brendan Rodgers, are on the verge of scripting history with back to back ‘treble’ triumphs, having already secured their seventh successive Scottish Premiership title.
Rodgers, meanwhile, might expect a greater title contest from next term onwards as Rangers are tipped to be a rejuvenated force once more under former England and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard who has been elected as the new Gers boss.
Celtic, therefore, are already pursuing their transfer targets in order to be prepared for the forthcoming season and have now successfully tied down custodian Scott Bain on a long-term deal amid interest from several English Championship outfits. The Dundee FC keeper, currently on loan at Parkhead, is available for free in summer and his impressive spell has now earned him a permanent deal beyond the ongoing campaign.
The Scotsman was recruited as the third-choice behind experienced Craig Gordon and Dorus de Vries but the injuries of the veteran duo earned him a surprise start against age-old rivals Rangers a couple of months back. Bain performed extremely well and pulled off some stunning saves to defend a narrow lead which eventually led the Bhoys to snatch a massive victory despite being down to ten men.
Gordon is in his mid-thirties but still going strong between the sticks. However, 37-year-old de Vries seems to have lost his place to Bain, who is now second-fiddle to the Scottish international but likely to be promoted as the first-choice within next couple of years. The 26-year-old has penned a four-year deal and therefore, has enough time to settle down and eventually impress Rodgers to become club’s new ‘number one’.
He previously reiterated his desire to complete a permanent switch and preferred to fight for a first-team spot for the champions over assured game-time somewhere else.
“I don’t think it could have gone any better. It’s funny, there’s a lot of little things that went my way to get to Celtic on loan and then to play the game against Rangers, which sent me on my way to this four-year-deal. It’s been great and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Bain did not hold back his delight upon penning the long-term contract and the Hoops have indeed made the right decision by offering him the same. They needed a successor to Gordon and believe to have one now on a Bosman transfer. The 26 year old shot-stopper has already exhibited his attributes in goal and ability to step up on big occasions.
It remains to see how Rodgers uses his newly acquired talent and how Bain, in turn, helps his team to reach new heights in the forthcoming seasons.
