Ikechi Anya could have been at Wimbledon instead of Hampden the Scotland star’s dilemma and surprising sporting hero

“I used to pretend to be Pete Sampras. He was my hero. I wanted one of his tennis rackets.”

Ikechi Anya has been inspired to reach the top in football by watching tennis players and champion boxers.

The 27-year-old Watford and Scotland star is desperate to build on the last two years of his career that has led to him helping the Hornets win promotion to the English Premier League and making his mark on the international scene.

He will play a significant role for Gordon Strachan’s team next month in the crucial Euro 2016 qualifier away to the Republic of Ireland.

Some inspirational sportsmen have helped get him where he is now.

In an exclusive interview, Anya told The Sunday Post: “I admire many people in sport. To get to the very top takes hard work, dedication and lots of sacrifices.

“When I left Glasgow as a kid, we moved to Oxford and I took up tennis. I really enjoyed the sport and still do.

“Back then, I used to pretend to be Pete Sampras. He was my hero. I wanted one of his tennis rackets.

“In more recent times, I’ve really had total respect for Andy Murray. To win Wimbledon and Olympic Gold has been unbelievable.

“You can see the effort he has put in during the past five years to improve his strength and fitness to allow him to compete with Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer. I think he is an inspiration.

“I also like to watch boxing. Again, the fighters do everything they can to maximise their potential.

“I watched the recent fight between Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao, and have nothing but respect for what they have both achieved in their chosen profession.

“So, when I look at the guys from tennis and boxing, I think there is a lot I can learn from

the detail and dedication they put in.

“Nobody becomes a world champion by only giving 90%. You must give your all to have any chance, in any given sport, of reaching the very top.

“I want to be the best I possibly can. I feel there has been an improvement in my game in the past two years and being involved with Scotland has given my confidence a huge lift.

“I still have a long, long way to go, but I think I’m heading in the right direction.

“There is no doubt I will face many challenges for club and country in the coming weeks and months, and I have to be ready. This is an important period in my career, and I have to give myself the best possible chance.”

Watford last played on May 2. During the past four weeks, Anya has resisted going on holiday and instead stayed at home to relax and go into Watford’s training ground with the fitness coach to keep himself ticking over.

It’s all geared towards the winger who was named the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Scotland International Player of the Year being in the best condition possible for Scotland when they play in Dublin on June 14.

Anya said: “I’ve been very fortunate to have been a part of some massive games in the past couple of years, such as making my Scotland debut and scoring against the World Champions, Germany.

“With Watford, we also had several high-pressure games to get through in the second half of the season to win promotion to the Premier League.

“But the importance of this game is hard to put into words. With 10 points from five games, we are in a strong position just now.

“If we can win in Dublin, it will be one of the best results I’ve ever been involved in. If we draw then that is also an excellent result. Defeat? Well, I’d rather not even contemplate that.

“We can take heart from the victory against them last year at Parkhead. We won 1-0 and were worthy of the victory. Shaun Maloney scored an outstanding goal.

“But that all counts for nothing for what is going to take place in a fortnight. It’s going to be 90 minutes for big hearts and strong minds.

“Martin O’Neill has a very strong squad to choose from. They have quality all over the pitch, from John O’Shea to Aiden McGeady to Jon Walters and Robbie Keane.

“But, hey, we also have some outstanding players. We’ll be ready.

“A victory would be the best way to end my best-ever season. And then we can start back in September for the remaining four qualifiers, full of confidence and optimism.”

Scotland meet up on Tuesday morning to prepare for the game against Martin O’Neill’s side. They will play Qatar at Easter Road on Friday night in a

friendly and then all the focus will be on the game at the Aviva Stadium.

Being in a hotel for almost two weeks can be a tough shift for the players. Restricted as to what they can and can’t do, boredom can set in.

Anya is happy just to go off on his own, find a quiet spot, and watch his movies and Box Sets on his laptop. It helps him relax and pass away the hours.

He said: “I love my movies and TV series. At the moment, I’m right into House of Cards, the political series with Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. They both play their characters very well.

“The intrigue is great and the way they try to manipulate people is unbelievable. Spacey is an incredible actor.

“I also enjoyed Homeland. That had me on the edge of my seat. The plot was amazing and the depth to the characters was impressive.

“To be able to write and produce such programmes must take a special talent, and I’m full of respect for people in that line of work that can create such brilliance.”

Anya will be hoping to excel once again in his chosen field when he plays against the Republic on June 14.