Decent Foundation Laid For Progress To Be Made

Last updated : 15 October 2014 By Ed_ScottishFitba

C:WindowsTempphp6942.tmpIkechi Anya was instrumental in getting Scotland back into Tuesday night's EURO2016 qualifying game with Poland when he believes has given them a good platform to build on in their bid to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998. Winger Anya instant control of a crossed ball set up Shaun Maloney’s goal last night in the 2-2 draw with Poland which puts them on four points after three games. Gordon Strachan’s side are in third place in Group D, above world champions Germany on goal difference. Anya said: "We took a lot of heart from the Germany performance (2-1 loss in Dortmund last month), but obviously we didn't get any points. On Saturday we beat Georgia 1-0 and now we got this point. So four points from a possible nine, taking into account that we've played Germany and Poland, is a good return and we'll try to build on that come November."

Scotland next take on the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on 14 November. Anya said they will head into the game in confident mood after their display away to the Poles. Scotland survived a late onslaught after Arkadiusz Milik cancelled out Steven Naismith's goal with 14 minutes remaining. The Watford playmaker added: "At the start of the match, to get a point in Poland, who had just beaten Germany 2-0 and we know how good they are after playing them in March, the majority of Scotland fans would be happy. On saying that, when you've got 15 minutes left and you're 2-1 up away from home, it's a bit disappointing, but I'm sure we'll reflect when we meet up in November, that it will be a good point come the end of the campaign. Towards the end I think we were a bit tired and they managed to get their second, but we showed a lot of character to hold on for 2-2 because towards the end they were probably the better side."