I've Dreamed Of Playing At Wembley Ever Since Gazza's Screamer Against Us

Feb 24 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

ALAN HUTTON sat starry-eyed watching Paul Gascoigne light up Wembley and dreamed of one day gracing the famous stadium.

Today, 12 years after Gazza's superb volley sent Scotland spinning to defeat at Euro 96, the Spurs defender's dream becomes reality.

The former Rangers hero will line up for Juande Ramos' side against Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final.

And the full-back is desperate to write his name in the record books as a Wembley winner.

As a Scot, Hutton would love to follow in the footsteps of stars such as Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish who walked up those iconic steps and got their hands on silverware.

He was too young to see that duo in action but the 23-year-old remembers vividly that unforgettable Gazza strike.

Alan said: "It's not just a dream for any English boy to play at Wembley. I'd say most young players in Scotland would also love to play there.

"The memory that sticks out is when Gazza scored that great goal against Scotland at Euro 96.

"When someone mentions Wembley that's what I think of. It's a great arena and I'm looking forward to the final.

"I'm sure I'll think about that before I go out on Sunday. As a kid I used to lie in bed at night, hoping one day that might be me.

"I always believed it could happen. It's an important stadium for Scottish fans because of the famous victories we've had down there.

"The likes of Souness and Dalglish have won cups at club level there as well.

"So it's a chance to put my name in the record books alongside those guys. To win would be unbelievable. Wembley has a lot attached to it and I just hope I do myself full justice against Chelsea.

"I watched the Gazza goal at home with my dad and both of us commented how good it would be to play at the stadium.

"To eventually get a chance to do that is incredible.

"It was strange watching that game as I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

"As much as I wanted Scotland to win Gazza was a hero of mine at Rangers and I wanted to see him do well too."

Hutton has taken to the English Premiership like a duck to water since moving south in a £9million deal last month.

A polished debut against Manchester United was followed by an excellent display against Derby County but he missed out on the UEFA Cup clashes with Slavia Prague as he was cup-tied.

And Hutton won't be fazed going in against Avram Grant's star-studded side because he has already beaten them this season.

Alan said: "I'm excited about going up against Chelsea and they have fantastic players I want to test myself against.

"It helps that I played against them for Rangers in July. It was a pre-season friendly at Ibrox and we beat them 2-0.

"However, it will be special to face them again when it actually means something.

"I would settle for the same performance and scoreline but I'm sure Chelsea will be taking this a bit more seriously.

"I've sensed what it would mean to the Spurs fans to lift a trophy as it has been a while since they won something. The whole area is buzzing and it will be a massive occasion for me and everyone at the club."

The Scotland star is becoming more settled in North Londonwith every passing day.

He has just found a new house for partner Kylie, son Loui and their new baby which is due to be born in Scotland on March 10.

Hutton admits he didn't know what to expect when he left his home in Ayrshire but revealed Tottenham captain Robbie Keane has been a huge help.

He said: "It has been a brilliant experience so far. I didn't know what to expect down here and it was likemy first day at school all over again.

"But all the players have been great. It's a family-orientated club and on the pitch we like to play attacking football which suits me.

"I've managed to find a house so that will help me settle quickly.

"Robbie, in particular, has really helped. If there's anything I need to know I can speak to him.

"He's an approachable guy and that has helped me bed in. Robbie is a big Celtic fan though and has already tried to give me stick.

"Before the Barcelona game on Wednesday he was trying to wind me up saying: 'Celtic are going through, no problem'.

"The Premiership is a really high standard and easily one of the best leagues in the world.

"It doesn't matter whether you're playing a top team or one lower down - it's still good quality you're up against.

"I'm only going to improve by competing against that kind of opposition every week.

"That's the reason for leaving Rangers and coming here - to make myself a better player."

The one down-side to Hutton's big-money move has been missing out on Tottenham's UEFA Cup ties after playing for Gers already in Europe this term.

But he believes both clubs could go all the way and possibly set up a Battle of Britain clash in the Manchester final.

Alan said: "It has been hard not playing in the UEFA Cup.

"I was at White Hart Lane on Thursday for the Slavia Prague game and was up and down for the 90 minutes.

"I'm a terrible watcher of football and it's especially hard when you know you should be playing and it's not down to injury or suspension.

"But I just have to get on with things. I also watched the first half of Rangers' tie with Panathinaikos and my dad kept me up to speed with their result.

"I see no reason why Spurs and Rangers can't go all the way.

"They have the squads to do it and you never know what might happen in a cup."