Bain says Celtic motivated to retain Scottish Cup as payback for the fans

Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain feels the start of their Scottish Cup campaign will provide added edge to their league matches.

Celtic’s latest defence of the trophy begins on Saturday when interim boss John Kennedy’s side host Falkirk.

Although they lost the league title to Rangers with six games left, Celtic still have plenty to play for in terms of pride, confidence ahead of next season and some payback to their fans following a painful campaign.

The Scottish Cup offers the best chance of meeting those requirements and Bain feels it will be important to ensure they retain any cup momentum during league games.

“Now that the Scottish Cup is there to play for, it gives us added motivation in these games,” the former Dundee keeper said.

“There’s not a league title to play for, but we need to make sure our levels are as high as ever in these remaining league games so that translates over into the cup games.

“It’s very difficult to turn it off and on, you need to be at a high level constantly and keep the motivation at that level to keep going on the right path.”

Celtic won a record fourth consecutive Scottish Cup last year and the competition increases in significance as they seek to avoid their first season without a trophy since 2010.

Bain added: “We don’t want to give up any trophies easily, so we’re determined to go in there and give a good account of ourselves.

“We know how important it is to win silverware at Celtic. With the season not going the way we wanted, this is a chance to give the fans something positive before the end of the season.”

Scott Bain says Celtic are eager to do well in the cup.