Mum is driving Anya on
MICHAEL GANNON
IKECHI ANYA reckons Scotland are flying towards the play-offs – but his mum will be sticking firmly on the road to Russia.
The Tartan Army hero dedicated Thursday’s thrilling win against Slovakia to mother Mariena who made the 800-mile round trek to Hampden from her Oxford home.
It’s a route she’s well used to since her son burst on to the international scene but while she’s not a fan of getting on flights Anya is convinced the sky’s the limit for Scotland.
Anya said: “When I saw the ball go in against Slovakia, then seeing the crowd bouncing up and down, it was amazing.
“To know you’ve helped make so many people so happy, you feel proud.
“My mum texted me at 7.30am to say she’d left at 5.30. It was eight hours in the car for her but she loves it. The result was for her – it’s always for her.
“The amount of miles she does to watch me is incredible. I remember when we played England a couple of years ago. She drove up, drove back, and quickly did the same thing again. She doesn’t like flying.
“We’ll take whoever if we’re able to make the play-offs. I said a few days ago we’re peaking at the right time and we’re going into every game full of confidence.
“First of all we need to make the play-offs – and if we do then bring on whoever.
“If we got to Russia I think she will fly to that one, with a few friends and family as well.”