Scott Bain is set to earn a new contract with Celtic after impressing Bhoys manager Ange Postecoglou with how he has challenged Joe Hart, according to the Scottish Daily Express.
The goalkeeper has only featured twice so far this term after losing the number one role to Hart. Bain has also not played at all since July, following the ex-Tottenham ace’s £1m move.
Yet Postecoglou admires how Bain has pushed Hart to maintain his form in training and will now reward his work. He also respects what the 30-year-old produced before Hart’s arrival.
Bain took over the gloves from Vasilis Barkas after Celtic’s first fixture under Postecoglou in July. He failed to avoid defeat to Midtjylland or Hearts, but has stayed the number two to Hart in all 23 following matches across all competitions.
Barkas is now entirely out of Postecoglou’s plans, and the Celtic boss will persist with Hart and Bain. The Bhoys will also look to sell Barkas in the January market, as per The Athletic.
In the meantime, Postecoglou will reward Bain with his work as number two by extending the three-cap Scotland international’s contract.
Postecoglou has already offered new deals to Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston since taking over the Hoops helm.
Bain’s current £7.6k-a-week deal runs to 2023, after extending his terms in 2019 a year on from his permanent transfer. Joining the Bhoys following an initial loan spell from Dundee.
Bain to continue as Celtic No.2, despite new contract
Postecoglou will likely expect Bain to continue serving as Celtic’s No.2, behind Hart, even if he signs a new contract.
The Edinburgh-native has never been the No.1 at Parkhead with a personal high of 15 Premiership appearances in a season. He made 15 outings in both 2018/19 and 20/21.
But Bain staying past 2023 will offer Celtic depth between the sticks for longer, with Hart’s contract running to 2024. At which point the Bhoys hope Tobi Oluwayemi can take over.
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