Celtic keeper Scott Bain is ready to take his place in Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League second-leg qualifier against Alashkert if Craig Gordon fails to recover from injury in time.

Gordon missed Saturday’s 4-1 friendly win over Standard Liege with a minor wrist problem but it could be that Bain takes his place as Celtic look to take another step forward on their Champions League qualification journey.

Gordon is expected to return to training today but if he isn’t fit to play then Bain is ready to step in.

“The only thing you can be is ready and I feel that I am,” said Bain. “This pre-season has been the hardest of my career without question but I have loved every single minute of it.

“I feel fit and I feel sharp and whatever happens I know that I am ready to play.”

Bain arrived at Celtic last January following injuries to Gordon and Dorus de Vries but there is little uncertainty now about his long-term future.

The goalkeeper signed a long-term deal with the club on the back of those performances and is now focused on making the most of what he has at Celtic.

“I have everything here and I am determined to use it. I have access to the gym, to advice, to sports scientists, to nutritionists and I am playing alongside top quality players under the guidance of a top manager.

“All of that has to make you a better player. I am delighted to be here and I just want to work as hard as I possibly can to be the best goalkeeper that I can be. I have been on the other side and know what it is like to be playing and training while holding down a job at the same time so I can appreciate what a privileged position it is to be in.

“I’m here to push Craig all the way and that’s what I plan to do. We all encourage one another and it is a case of making sure that I am here and ready to play whenever I am called upon.”

European football is an entirely new experience for the goalkeeper but he appreciates the magnitude of the test that the Parkhead side face to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.

Bain was on the bench in Armenia last week as Celtic established a commanding 3-0 win to take into Wednesday’s game at Celtic Park but he could have more central role to play this week.

“We all know just how important these games are,” he said. “We are in a good position but we won’t be taking anything for granted. It is important that we are professional and just try to focus on this game without getting too far ahead of ourselves.

“I can only imagine what an amazing experience it is to be involved in the group stages of the Champions League. It is where everyone wants to play but at the minute we can only think about the games that are in front of us and to do our best to try and take the club into that environment again.”