JUST over a year ago Scott Bain was pitched in to play the biggest game of his career when Brendan Rodgers revealed he would be playing at Ibrox.
Craig Gordon was struggling for fitness and, behind the scenes, Celtic prepared Dutch veteran Dorus De Vries to face Graeme Murty’s side for the Glasgow derby confrontation in Govan.
However, the back-up shotstopper had to call off on the morning of the match and Bain, on loan from Dundee at the time, was handed the gloves.
It’s in the history books now the 27-year-old keeper made some important stops and substitute Odsonne Edouard curled in the winner in a 3-2 triumph.
Bain, who has played every game for the champions in 2019 since taking over from Gordon on a permanent basis, returned to Ibrox in December and remained on the subs’ bench as Steven Gerrard’s men won 1-0 in the worst performance from the Hoops of the campaign.
However, he will be back in charge on Sunday and the international No.1, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “The experience I had in the game at Ibrox last year will help me.
“I only found out I was playing on the morning of the game when Dorus De Vries was struggling. There will be a lot more Celtic fans there this time than the last Old Firm match I played in at least!
“With what has happened with ticketing arrangements, there will be less Rangers fans and we need to use the atmosphere. Hopefully, that stands us in good stead.
“I don’t think it has made too much difference to the games, the lack of away fans – I wouldn’t read too much into it.
“But, if anything, I like it when there are more away fans in the stadium.
“It creates a better atmosphere, more of an Old Firm derby feeling. But it is what it is and, hopefully, we can use the backing of our fans to get the win.”
