Ikechi Anya hopes first Scotland cap will wipe out painful memories of Glasgow

Ikechi Anya is determined to impress if selected for Scotland against Belgium (PA)

Ikechi Anya is determined to impress if selected for Scotland against Belgium on Friday after admitting his previous memory of playing football there was not a positive one.

The Watford winger could make his international debut in the World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park after earning his first call-up for the double-header against the Belgians and Macedonia.

The 25-year-old was born in Glasgow and spent seven years in the city’s Castlemilk area before moving to England where he began his professional career.

Asked about his Scottish background, Anya said: “I don’t know why this memory is with me but I remember we played well in one game and a big bully got me and my mate and he banged our heads together. I just remember the story and it was kind of crazy.”

Anya is hoping for a better experience north of the border this time with the national team. He added: “I’m hoping I can take my form at Watford into the Scotland set-up.”