Thu 01 Sep
Time to read: 3mins
dcfc.co.uk takes a look back at the career of Ikechi Anya following his Transfer Deadline Day arrival from Watford...
FACT FILEThe son of a former Nigerian research scientist of the Igbo ethnic group and a Romanian economist, Ikechi Anya was born in Glasgow and grew up in the Castlemilk area.It was clear from a young age that football was his passion and after his family moved down to Oxford, his pathway into the game took off.Anya joined the Wycombe Wanderers’ academy in the 2003/04 season, having been released by Oxford United.It didn’t take long for him to catch the eye – with his performances leading to him being handed a senior squad number by Tony Adams for the Chairboys’ fixture at Southend United on 11 September 2004 just aged 16.He was the youngest player to represent Wycombe, until that record was taken by former Rams loanee, Jordon Ibe, in 2011.During his time at Wycombe, he was also named as the club’s Apprentice of the Year at the inaugural Football League Awards in 2006.He was released in the summer of 2007 and his career was put on hold for three years as he moved across the non-league system, signing for Oxford City and Halesowen Town, before joining the Glenn Hoddle Academy.His next big move came in February 2009, as Sky Bet League 1 side Northampton Town moved to secure his services, marking the day by making his debut away at Cheltenham Town.His performances saw interest in his services rise and Anya opted to make the switch back across the Channel to Spanish outfit Sevilla Atlético, the reserve side of Sevilla, on a two-year contract in July 2009.Another host of moves followed as he went then joined Celta Vigo, Granada and Cádiz – unable to settle he returned to England and would soon enjoy the most successful period of his career.Arriving as an unknown quantity, Anya linked up with Watford initially on loan in 2012, but turned his stay at Vicarage Road into a permanent one in 2013 with a string of fine performances.A player of skill and speed, Ikechi Anya has featured over 100 times for the Hornets, playing a vital role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League.The Scotland international outlined his versatility on a number of occasions being fielded in a number of positions - including wing-back, full-back, winger and even as an out-and-out striker.INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Anya’s performances at Watford saw him receive his first call up to the Scotland squad in September 2013, an opportunity he grabbed with both hands, scoring on his full debut against Macedonia.His finest moment to-date for the Tartan Army was a goal against reigning world champions Germany during a Euro 2016 qualifier in September 2014.Anya, now 28-years-old, is in the current Scotland squad ahead of their World Cup 2018 Qualifying opener against Malta.Tweets by @ dcfcofficial
