Bain thinks Celtic did no wrong after Old Firm victory

Scott Bain insists Celtic did nothing wrong with their post-match lap of honour following September's Old Firm victory over Rangers.

The behaviour of the Hoops squad has come under sharp scrutiny following the publication of a police memo which claimed they had provoked an angry response from Rangers fans after their 1-0 Parkhead win in the season's opening derby battle.

The document claimed Brendan Rodgers' team inflamed an already delicate situation'' when they paused to celebrate in front of the section housing 800 Gers supporters in the minutes after the match.

Public order officers were forced to intervene to prevent disorder and (the Rangers fans) entering the pitch'', it was claimed.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers responded by insisting it is unfair to blame his men for rival fans' actions.

But Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson hit back at the Ibrox club's AGM to insist that players have a responsibility to be very careful about their actions during games and after games''.

However, Bain says he and his colleagues merely carried out their usual post-match routine.

The goalkeeper said: We do it after every game, walk round the pitch and thank the fans for their support, for coming out, paying their money and pushing us through games.

I don't think we were over-celebrating, I don't think we were doing anything wrong. We were just thanking our fans.

We can't walk to here and then walk back round to avoid other fans, we were just walking in a circle.

If you want to thank your own fans, you should be able to.''

Bain has been told by boss Rodgers that he will start Sunday's Betfred Cup final against Aberdeen.

First-choice keeper Craig Gordon will keep the number one slot for Thursday's vital Europa League showdown with Rosenborg in Trondheim before former Dundee stopper Bain - who has played in the club's three previous cup rounds - takes over.

It's great that the manager has shown that faith in me through the entire cup run, so to go the next step and play in the final will be fantastic for myself,'' he said.

I think it will be the biggest game that I've played in so far. Hopefully there are other big ones to come.''

Asked if it was strange he would be in the sticks for Sunday's Hampden clash but would not feature in Norway, he replied: That's just the way it is here. We have games all the time, constantly. We're always travelling and playing big matches.

I've realised at this club that every game is a big game so it's just about being prepared as normal.

My relationship with Craig is brilliant. Me and him get on really well. It's fantastic for myself to train with him every day and learn from. Ask questions if I need to.

To be around that calibre of goalkeeper every day has really pushed me on this year.

Craig has achieved great things in his career, he's played at the top level, been sold for #9million. He is a top goalkeeper, I've never tried to compare myself to anyone, I just try to improve myself.

He's got big gloves to fill but he's a great character to train with every day.

I think since I've come here I've improved and that's all I can keep doing. I'm 27 now so hopefully I've got a few years left at this club.''

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed Andrew Dallas will referee his first major cup final when the 35-year-old takes charge of Sunday's Hampden showdown with the Dons

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