TOUGH TO HIT BACH OF NET VERSUSSCOTS
DANIEL BACHMANN reckons Allan McGregor’s Europa League wonder save proved Scotland is home to a selection of the world’s most vintage keepers.
The Watford No.1 is in line to make his debut for Austria at Hampden tomorrow night.
And he admits the Hornets’ shotstoppers, including ex-England man Ben Foster, were buzzing after seeing the Rangers star’s last-minute heroics in Prague a fortnight ago.
Veteran Ibrox keeper McGregor, of course, won’t be anywhere near the World Cup qualifier after handing in his international notice two years ago.
But Bachmann knows national boss Steve Clarke has a list of equally classy keepers at his disposal in David Marshall, Craig Gordon and Jon McLaughlin.
The former Kilmarnock loan star – who played under Clarke – said: “There are so many senior Scottish goalkeepers playing at a very high level just now.
“I saw McGregor’s save and it was unbelievable.
“The day after that game, myself, Ben and all the goalkeepers at Watford were talking about it at training.
“We were all agreed it was just absolutely incredible, one of the best you’ll see.
“McGregor has obviously looked after himself, so it doesn’t matter what age you are. If you are top class, you are top class. The same can be said for the three Scotland goalies.
“All the best-known Scottish keepers are vastly experienced and a very good standard.
“Craig Gordon has done it for years with Celtic, Sunderland and Scotland.
“And I played against David Marshall a couple of weeks back and he is still a top goalkeeper, as is Jon McLaughlin.
“It really doesn’t matter who plays on Thursday, Scotland are very well covered in goal.”
Bachmann credits Clarke with setting him on the road to international stardom at Rugby Park in 2018.
He said: “If I was to make my debut in Scotland, where I lived for a year with my family and enjoyed one of my best seasons, it would make it extra special. That season with Kilmarnock helped me massively in my development.
“Steve Clarke is a quiet person but everyone respects him. I will always be grateful to him for the chance he gave me.”