Bain maintains Scotland 'dream' as World Cup nears

Goalkeeper Scott Bain is flourishing for Falkirk this season - but admits his "dream" of making Scotland's World Cup squad is never far from his thoughts.

Bain, who won the last of his three caps in 2019, earned a squad recall from Steve Clarke for the final two qualifiers against Greece and Denmark last November as Scotland secured a place at this summer's North America extravaganza.

Clarke will soon name his squad for friendly matches with Japan (28 March) and Ivory Coast (31 March).

"I'm really hopeful," Bain said before Falkirk's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Dundee United on Friday, which is live on BBC Scotland.

"I've really been working from the last squad to this squad to try and make sure that I can get in there and we'll see if I've managed to do enough.

"My hope was going in the last squad to really give a good account of myself to the manager and to the staff and show my qualities when I was away.

"I hope with that and the games between then and now that my performances have been good enough to make myself back into the squad."

As well as the Bairns' Scottish Cup ambitions, Bain is also part of Falkirk's push for a top-six finish in their first season back in the Premiership.

"I mean, it's always there in the back of your mind but like I say, I just need to focus here," he added.

"If I do manage to go away with Scotland in the next camp, give myself the best platform to give myself the best chance to be on that plane, it would be a dream, yeah, of course."