Ikechi Anya is urging Scotland’s new boys to grab “a brilliant opportunity” to become regulars in the national set-up.
There are 10 uncapped players over the two squads named by boss Gordon Strachan for tomorrow’s match against the Czech Republic in Prague and the visit of Denmark to Hampden next Tuesday.
Anya was first called up for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Belgium and Macedonia as recently as September, 2013.
However, the Watford wide-man has not looked back since a debut appearance as substitute against the Belgians and a goal in his first start against the Macedonians.
His status as a Tartan Army favourite was cemented the following year when he scored against world champions Germany in the first match of the Euro 2016 qualification campaign in Dortmund, albeit the Scots lost 2-1 and ultimately failed to qualify.
Strachan will use the two friendlies to build towards the 2018 World Cup qualifiers which begin later in the year and Anya sees the potential benefits, particularly for the new recruits like Dundee goalkeeper Scott Bain, Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, Hibs midfielder John McGinn and Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean.
“This is a brilliant opportunity for the new lads to come in because you need opportunities like this,” said Anya.
“Had I not been given this opportunity in 2013 I might not have been here.
“I still remember the day Gianfrano Zola, the Watford manager at the time, pulled me over in the cafeteria and told me Gordon Strachan had been touch.
“I was buzzing and I wanted to let the gaffer see what I could do.
“I am sure they (new faces) will be excited. It is always a great privilege to be called up to potentially get your first cap.
“I think it is a great scenario for them.
“There are no points at stake, obviously, and the gaffer is quite open about how he wants to see new players and so they should be full of energy and really enjoy it and why not? They deserve to be here.”