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European Qualifiers: Ikechi Anya says Scotland happy with points total

Shaun Maloney (left) celebrates with team-mates Steven Naismith (centre) and Ikechi Anya after equilising
Image: Shaun Maloney (left) celebrates with team-mates Steven Naismith (centre) and Ikechi Anya after equalising

Ikechi Anya believes Scotland have given themselves a good platform to build on in their bid to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998.

Winger Anya 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.

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Neil McCann says Scotland's two European Qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland will be vital to their chances of qualification

Anya told uefa.com: "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.

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“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."

The Scots next face the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on November 14th.

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Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney give their post-match reaction

Anya, 26, 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."

You can watch Scotland v Republic of Ireland live on Sky Sports 5 from 7:45pm on November 14th.