In recent seasons it’s become fashionable in the League/Betfred Cup to rest certain players with goalkeeping one of those favoured positions.
Having a match-ready and motivated back-up keeper is essential with game time in the lesser of the domestic trophies the obvious choice to keep everyone happy.
Once a tournament reaches the semi-final stage things become a bit more serious, last year at Murrayfield it was a mild surprise to see Scott Bain picked ahead of Craig Gordon for the Betfred Cup semi-final against Hearts.
By the time January came around Bain was the permanent first choice after keeping his place for the Betfred Cup Final and opening Scottish Cup tie against Airdrie United.
This time around the boot is on the other foot with Gordon the anxious deputy hoping to be involved in semi-final action.
Since Fraser Forster came in on loan from Southampton the only action that the former Hearts keeper has seen was in the Betfred Cup quarter-final at home to Partick Thistle where he had a quiet night.
Who should play in goals at Hampden?
Big Fraz, no need to be clever, stick with the Wall
We need him sharp and involved, he won't let us down
Neil Lennon clearly has a special bond with Forster, signing someone four times tends to develop that!
Keeping Gordon in the loop is important but with an international break just over a week away I think that Forster will get the vote tomorrow as Lennon chases the one domestic trophy to have eluded him, so far.
