Expert guidance from Woods has helped Bain fully bloom for Celtic
IF THE job of a coach is measured by the improvement of players in their command, then the testimony of Scott Bain ought to be enough to earn Stevie Woods a significant pay rise.
According to Bain, he is now 10 times the goalkeeper that signed for Celtic on loan 18 months ago and he credits Woods for elevating a stagnant career to the point where he has been lifting trophies and playing for his country.
Bain checked in on loan from Dundee in the middle of Brendan Rodgers’ second season in charge but the capture of the former Alloa Athletic man bore all the hallmarks of a stop-gap signing.
An injury to Craig Gordon in the build-up to a big derby against Rangers at Ibrox changed the narrative. The debutant Bain excelled, instantly proving his credentials as a capable back-up and laying the groundwork for a permanent contract that summer.
Last season saw him take over from Gordon after the winter break and he stepped up for Scotland to the point where there was some surprise when new national coach Steve Clarke favoured David Marshall for his first games in charge earlier this month.
Bain does not take his place for either club or country for granted. However, the 27-year-old exudes a confidence in his ability that was not fully realised until he made the move to Glasgow.
‘From my first loan to now, I feel like I have improved tenfold,’ he said. ‘That’s down to players, staff, my fellow goalkeepers and the goalkeeping coach Woodsy.
‘I have learned a lot about myself since I have been here, what I can handle and what I can push myself to become if I want to.
‘It’s been brilliant for me and I’ve loved every minute of it.’
An outgoing and popular personality around Lennoxtown, Woods has never sought the spotlight since being brought on to the Celtic coaching staff under Gordon Strachan 12 years ago.
Yet his work coaching the likes of Artur Boruc, Fraser Forster and Gordon has built him a formidable reputation within the game.
‘Most importantly, Woodsy is just a great guy so whatever he wants you to do, you want to do it to the best of your ability,’ says Bain.
‘He comes with a reputation. He has worked with a lot of top goalkeepers, he has improved goalkeepers.
‘And I think it’s just that he is a great guy, he knows his stuff and he is very enthusiastic about learning and finding out what he can improve on to help you.
‘He has helped me to realise that I need to watch and really study the top players to see what I want to achieve in the game. It’s a pleasure to train with him.
‘I have always been confident in my ability but, at the time I came to Celtic, I think had maybe gone a bit stale in terms of the same old routine.
‘I needed a change in my life to bring me forward and realise what I can achieve. I am grateful I got the chance to do that because a lot of players out there don’t get that opportunity.’
Woods’ own career has advanced over the past year or so as he was promoted to the Scotland set-up by his old Motherwell boss Alex McLeish in March of 2018.
Bain earned his first cap against Mexico on the national team’s tour to the Americas last June and, after the retirement of Allan McGregor, started the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and San Marino earlier this year.
Yet despite Clarke’s decision to retain Woods among a revamped backroom team, Bain found himself back on the bench for the most recent games against Cyprus and Belgium.
‘I don’t know if I was surprised by that because when Marshall got called into the squad I thought he would be playing,’ he continued. ‘I never spoke to the manager.
‘Marsh performed really well in the games. We got a good result against Cyprus and a good performance against Belgium, so I think they would be happy with what happened.
‘I have never set goals for Scotland. I have always focused on club football and, if I can do that continuously and consistently, it should stand me in good stead.’
Last weekend, Lennon claimed he wants to see Bain and Gordon battle it out for the No1 spot but, with Gordon still inching towards full fitness after a knee problem, Bain looks set to be given the nod for the opening Champions League qualifier against FK Sarajevo.
‘It’s funny, I don’t think I am established — last season was great for me but it’s done now,’ said Bain.
‘Craig Gordon is one of the best goalkeepers that Scotland has produced. Of course he’ll want to play— and my job is to make sure that doesn’t happen.’