Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has revealed Scott Bain jumped for joy when he heard he was getting called up by his country.
The Dundee goalkeeper joined Cardiff City’s David Marshall and Craig Gordon of Celtic in the Scots’ squad for the June 5 friendly against Qater at Easter Road and the crunch Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin eight days later.
It is a remarkable rise for the man who this time last year had just waved goodbye to his friends and colleagues at Alloa in preparation for his move to Dens Park.
Little wonder then that the 23-year-old, who was told the news by his club manager Paul Hartley, couldn’t contain his excitement.
His jig of joy was also a sign – hopefully – that he appears to be over the worst of the knee injury that has seen him miss out since the Dark Blues’ match against Celtic on May 1.
Strachan said: “I think when Paul told Scott he was delighted and was jumping around the place.
“It’s great to hear that was the case.
“Having chatted with Paul I know that he is also delighted that his goalie is in the squad.
“I have seen Scott play a couple of times but it was really our goalkeeping coach, Jim Stewart, who had a bigger say than I did.
“Jim is the man who sees more of the goalkeepers and it was his decision to bring Scott in,
“Scott is good enough for now but he also has great potential for the future.
“I always like to bring in bright young players in every now and then so I can freshen up the squad.
“It lets them have a chance to look at the set-up and us to have a closer look at them,
“This is also good for Dundee because they have had a smashing season and he is one of the boys who has done really well for them.”
Strachan was asked about Bain’s injury but he is confident all will be well having received assurances from Hartley.
“I did ask Paul about Scott’s injury and I was told he is fine,” said the Scotland boss.
“It is an injury that when it comes to the push he could play with but because of Dundee’s position they can afford to make sure he doesn’t aggravate anything.”
Bain has replaced Hull City’s Allan McGregor in the squad, with the verteran former Rangers man carrying an injury.