Hardie's Sure Al Will Not Be Soft Touch

Feb 24 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

SHELLSHOCKED Alan Hutton was tortured by Martin Hardie in his Rangers debut.

But now Hardie is tipping the £9million Spurs star to shackle the likes of Didier Drogba at Wembley today - because of his gallus streak.

The former Partick Thistle midfielder gave Hutton a torrid time in 2002 when Alex McLeish handed the teenager his big break.

He was hooked at half-time as Gers recovered from a goal down to beat the Jags and Hardie admits he could never have predicted Hutton's own stunning comeback.

He recovered from his Firhill fright night to excel under Walter Smith and cement his place as Scotland's right-back.

Today Alan lines up for Juande Ramos' Tottenham against Chelsea desperate to lift the Carling Cup.

Hardie, now with St Johnstone, said: "I'm sure Alan will cope with the game and Chelsea's big stars.

"At Rangers he was facing the cream of Europe in the Champions League. Lee McCulloch and a few others have done it down south so Alan has nothing to fear.

"He's from Ayrshire but has a Glasgow gallus streak - you need that.

"He'll look at the likes of Drogba and think 'I used to watch him on TV but when the game starts Drogba will just be another opponent and Hutton will want to impose himself.

"He was quite slight as a young boy but has developed physically since I played against him on his debut.

"The athleticism he has is a huge part of football and will help him against Chelsea.

"You notice it more in the Premiership - even the wee guys are solid - and I don't think they nip away for a game of snooker after training like we used to!"

Hardie remembers his joust with Hutton vividly and praised the 23-year-old for not dwelling on setbacks and transforming his career.

He said: "I'm surprised at how well Alan has done but he deserves all the credit.

"He came back from a leg break a few years ago and to produce the performances he did for Rangers and Scotland was fantastic.

"Fair play to McLeish for keeping faith in him despite that Thistle game.

"Young players always make mistakes but Hutton has confidence. He went into the Scotland squad and showed he can compete with the top stars from abroad."