Gianfranco Zola has described Ikechi Anya’s rise from non-league football to Scotland international as "a great story and a great example" for other players.

The 25-year-old Watford winger was playing for Halesowen Town in 2008 but made his debut for the Scottish side last Friday in their 2-0 defeat against Belgium.

Four days later Anya started against Macedonia and scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory. The Hornets wide man collected a pass from Barry Bannan and fired his shot into the corner.

Gordon Strachan described Anya as "terrific" and Zola echoed the thoughts of the Scotland manager.

The Watford head coach said: "It’s fantastic and totally deserved. It’s a great story. He came over here and had nothing or very, very little.

"He worked hard every day, not only with me but also on his own and he’s achieved what he’s achieved, first with us and then now with the national team. It’s a great story and a great example for many others."