Allan McGregor and Scott Bain have been called up by Scotland after impressing for Rangers and Celtic.
Former Rangers goalkeeper Jim Stewart has told the Scottish Sun that Celtic’s Scott Bain should enjoy working under an experienced stopper like Allan McGregor during the international break.
McGregor, 36, is expected to start both UEFA Nations League matches for Scotland over the course of this month’s international break, as Scotland take on Israel and Albania in must-win matches.
The former Hull City goalkeeper is the clear number one in Alex McLeish’s squad after Craig Gordon pulled out through injury. Kilmarnock’s Jamie MacDonald and Celtic’s Scott Bain are providing the competition.
Stewart, who played for Rangers for four years between 1980 and 1984, reckons 26-year-old Celtic stopper Bain and indeed MacDonald will “enjoy” working under McGregor, and look to learn from his experience.
“As he’s got older he’s become a more composed keeper, and it was a really astute move by Rangers to bring him back,” Stewart said.
“It’s entirely up to him how long he goes on for. His form is very consistent and he’s athletic, so I could see him going on until he’s 40 quite easily.
“Jamie MacDonald will have gained confidence playing in a Kilmarnock team that’s been doing well, so this will be an opportunity to work with an experienced keeper. MacDonald will enjoy that chance and so will Scott Bain.”
Stewart made 55 league appearances for Rangers and was also goalkeeping coach of the club during Mark Warburton’s era as manager.
Bain has come into the side as a replacement for Gordon, which he also did in the 0-0 draw against Livingston at Almondvale in Celtic’s last Scottish Premiership outing.
Scotland take on Albania away from home on Saturday in League C, Group 1 on Saturday, before returning home to play host to Israel on Tuesday night. Scotland realistically need at least four points to have any chance of winning the group.
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