A video clip has emerged that shows the incredible contribution of Scott Bain to Celtic’s recent run of success.
Beating St Johnstone 5-0 at home would normally be seen as a very straightforward goalkeeping performance, dealing with a couple of pass-backs and the occasional hopeful pot at goal.
Bain’s passing accuracy has been noted since he emerged as Celtic’s first choice keeper but this video shows that his influence on the team runs much deeper.
Scott Bain’s passing v St Johnstone from Final Pass on Vimeo.
All of the Celtic players have complete confidence putting the ball back to their keeper, the return ball is rarely rushed with one key ingredient. Like a snooker player he points the next pass to the player he roles the ball to!
The former Dundee keeper looks to be a complete natural in this role- and he knows how to pull off a save or two as his treble save against Airdrie in the Scottish Cup proved.
Getting Bain on a free transfer could become as valuable as the £500,000 sent to Fulham to sign Moussa Dembele. The impact of the French striker was certainly more dynamic but Bain’s influence on the team can’t be understated.
Many Celtic supporters are trying to work out a way to justify spending £13m or more on Filip Benkovic, for those in the performance analysis business it wouldn’t be a shock if the ball playing keeper is having as big an impact on Celtic’s play.
Almost certainly Bain’s shot stopping will be tested by Valencia but as long as Celtic retain possession, and that starts at the back, the Spaniards will have less time to fire in pot shots at the hoops new first choice keeper.