Proudest moment for Livi winger

Egli Kaja has dipped into his own pocket to ensure his parents are able to witness the proudest moment of his career.

However, the Livingston winger knows nothing will ever repay the debt he owes dad Krenar and mum Arjana.

Kaja was just two years old when they made the life-changing decision to flee their war-torn homeland of Kosovo.

It was 1999 and, like much of the country, his birthplace in the Ferizaji District was in a state of flux following a conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives.

He was too young to appreciate the challenges faced by his family and, to this day, they tend not to burden him with tales of a traumatic period.

Nevertheless, Kaja is acutely aware of the sacrifices made and the risks taken in search of peace and prosperity for he and his sister.

“I was just a baby when we were in Kosovo so I wasn’t really aware of what it was like,” said Kaja , who will make his international bow against Scotland tonight.

“It isn’t something my parents talk about but I know it must have been a really tough time and it took a lot of courage and determination for them to get to the UK.

“They were determined to build a life for me and my sister and every decision they made has been for us. They made huge sacrifices.”