Steve Clarke has announced his latest Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifying double header against Greece and Denmark later this month.

The squad of 26 players was released yesterday with very little surprise: Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie and Josh Doig all returned, with Hibs striker Kieron Bowie dropping out.

The only other change is in goal where veteran Craig Gordon and Liam Kelly both remain, but the injured Angus Gunn misses out, with ex-Celtic keeper Scott Bain recalled for the first time since 2019.

Now Falkirk’s number one after arriving in the summer and replacing Nicky Hogarth between the sticks.

Bain has impressed despite questions over how he would adapt after several seasons on the bench or in the stands at Celtic Park.

He has more than answered them, and his consistency has pushed him back into Clarke’s thoughts.

Speaking after Falkirk’s 1–1 draw with Rangers in October ahead of the previous international break Bain reflected on both his return to playing regularly and the possibility of a recall.

He said: “I feel like I’m playing well at the minute, making number of saves.

“It takes a lot to play here, you have to make big saves at times and I’m really enjoying that side of it and a having a big responsibility for the team.”

He was also asked directly about a Scotland recall but refused to be drawn into speculation but confirmed he would be delighted at another chance on the international stage.

“It’s not something I’ve ever really kept my eye on and all I can do is continue to do well here.

“It’s not up to me, if I could have picked it, I’d be in it. But it’s not up to me. We’ll just see what happens. But all I can do is focus on here.”

He was asked on whether he felt he could genuinely stake a claim for the Dark Blue’s number one jersey again at this late stage of his career:

“Maybe, that’s all I can say, maybe,” he answered.

“It is a decision for the Scotland manager, and all I can do is continue to do what I’m doing here.”

Now, a month later, Clarke has indeed made that call, and Bain is back, and he is the only available goalkeeper playing regular first team football in the squad.

Kelly is playing second fiddle to former England international Jack Butland at Ibrox, whilst Gordon, who turns 43 on Hogmanay, has lost his spot at Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts to summer signing Alexander Schwolow, and has been linked with a shock loan move to Kilmarnock, who themselves are going through a goalkeeping crisis.

And so, while Bain’s return has drawn a degree of curiosity, the context of this specific international round of fixtures matters.

Scotland open the campaign away to Greece in a game which will likely be tense, physical, and territorial. For that style of play form and rhythm matter more than reputation.

Craig Gordon remains an icon of the modern Scotland team, but he has not played regular, meaningful football in months.

Liam Kelly is highly regarded inside the camp, but he has played just 90 minutes of League Cup football this season.

Both may still be viable options going forward as Clarke has always valued loyalty and continuity, but right now, neither are sharp in the way a goalkeeper needs to be when the margins are tight, and in Athens, they will be tight as Scotland look to keep pace with group leaders Denmark to set up a potential Hampden showdown for automatic qualification.

Bain is primed to play, he is in-form, and he is ready and now, he could see himself starting for his country once again.