BRENDAN RODGERS is poised to hand a permanent deal to on-loan keeper Scott Bain, as reported in CQN two weeks ago.
The Celtic boss has been impressed by the 26-year-old shotstopper who is out of contract at the end of the season with parent club Dundee.
Bain, who joined as emergency cover following Craig Gordon’s knee injury against Hibs on January 27, made his Hoops debut in the 3-2 success at Ibrox and kept the gloves in the goalless draw at Motherwell.
The former building site worker is set to keep the No.1 shirt for today’s Parkhead game against rock-bottom Ross County and Rodgers said: “I’ve spoken to Scott at length about the opportunity he could have here and he’s a good example of a player other teams might look at and think he’s too small.
“However for me, in terms of how we work, he’s absolutely perfect. His first game for us at Ibrox was a wonderful demonstration of personality, technique and composure under pressure.
“His profile is well suited to being here. He’d already done well at Dundee, but, for whatever reason, found himself out of the squad.
“We’ve been able to bring him here, though, and that’s been absolutely brilliant for us – and for Scott. He’s a very grounded personality and I really can’t imagine ever falling out with him.
“His story is fabulous, from working on a building site to this. He has done the dirty work and when players get an opportunity after going through those times, they really want to grasp it.
“These last couple of games have shown our supporters he’s a really good keeper. He’s a joy to work with, always smiling and, while he has great humility, he’s also not intimidated in any way. I’ve been delighted for him.”
He added: “It’s all about opportunity. When you think about it, to turn up and sign for a club while wearing a Hibs tracksuit? When I saw that, I thought: ‘‘Well, it could have been plasterboards and a trowel’.
“Listen, I worked in a bloody warehouse for four-and-a-half years and it made me. It makes you appreciate the life you’re leading now.
“I know all about that journey and it’s great that it’s happened to him now. Sometimes it can happen to guys at 32 or 33 and they’re left with that, ‘If only…’
“However, this is a chance he’s not only been given, but he’s taken it, as well.”
Bain will be forced to sit out of the midweek visit against the Dens Park outfit which should mean a return for Dorus de Vries.
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**Celtic 3 Ross County 0 – Here’s the match report
