I’ve had loads of Bain I’ll savour this win ...
Scott insists glory Celts debut makes up for Dens Park blues
THE view was a bit different a few weeks ago.
Scott Bain was sitting miserably on the sidelines so he was determined to soak up every second of the celebrations at Ibrox yesterday after starring on the big stage.
The keeper could not have scripted a much more dramatic debut for Celtic but it sums up his whirlwind start to 2018.
Bombed out at Dundee. Biding his time on loan at Hibs. Saving the day for Celtic in an Old Firm epic.
Bain could be forgiven if his head was spinning by the end but, just as he did for 90 minutes at Ibrox, he made sure he was focused after the final whistle.
Bain said: “This is the biggest game – and the biggest win – I’ve ever had. The scenes at the end were unbelievable. I’ve never seen the level of fans like that.
“I just wanted to savour and enjoy it. I don’t normally think about taking it all in. Today was special though.
“We were behind twice then a man down so it’s one I will look back on at the end of my career and think, ‘That was an unbelievable debut.’ I just wanted to take a breath and enjoy it.”
It was probably the only time anyone at Ibrox managed to catch their breath. None more so than Bain who only learned he was playing when he opened his eyes yesterday.
There’s a feeling he might still be dreaming after a storming debut that included a couple of match-winning second-half saves.
Bain said: “I woke up on Sunday with a text saying that I was playing.
“I knew Dorus (de Vries) was struggling and then word came through at 8am that he was out.
“I had plenty of time to get myself right and focused. I was glad I could contribute to the win.
“I don’t know if I’m a hero now. I just wanted to come in and enjoy the game and the experience. I enjoyed every minute of it and I suppose that’s only the case if you win.
“When you join a club the size of Celtic you think, ‘What a chance.’
“It’s a funny old game. I was on the bench for Hibs at Celtic Park when Craig Gordon got injured.
“You just need one thing to happen and it can kickstart your career.”
The Ibrox heroics can’t hurt. The Celtic defence might have been ropey but Bain was solid and far more composed with the ball at his feet than some of those in front of him.
He made an important stop to deny Alfredo Morelos before Odsonne Edouard’s winner then, at the death, brilliantly blocked from Josh Windass and was up in a flash to gather after Morelos had duffed the rebound.
Bain said: “I saved the first shot then looked up and saw the ball going to him. I just thought, ‘Aw naw.’
“Luckily he hit the post and I was able to scramble and catch it before it went over the line.
“I was expecting him to score but knew I had to get up just in case anything happened.
“It was a massive moment in the game but the way we handled going down to 10 men was amazing.
“I saw the same up at Pittodrie when we lost a man. The composure, the calmness, belief and togetherness in this squad to dig your mate out is why we got the result.
“We had spoken about all the different scenarios before the game.
“The match lasts 90 minutes and it was early to lose a goal but we were calm and composed. The goals we scored were unbelievable.”
Bain earned a bear hug from Scott Brown at the end and the keeper admitted his skipper was an inspiration after Jozo Simunovic was sent packing.
The shot-stopper said: “Broonie just said well done – maybe there were a few swear words in there! He said it was a good save at the end.
“He was unbelievable again, especially when we went to 10 men.
“The adrenalin was pumping. Before the game it was about staying calm and not letting the atmosphere overwhelm me.
“I was composed on the ball and the boys helped. I got a thumbs up at the second goal – I think it was because I was calm and took a touch before playing it to Broonie.
“He picked out an unbelievable pass and it was a great finish from Moussa.
“These games can be frantic and you can go into your shell. I just wanted to stay calm.
“It’s a great chance for me. I’ll go in next week, work hard and stay humble.
“But I’ll savour this for the next two days.”