Gers Fans Come Up In Street To Say Sorry They Slagged Me Off Says Alan Hutton

Nov 4 2007 By Scott Mcdermott

Barcelona V Rangers Wednesday, Kick-Off 7.45pm Live Sky Sports Xtra

BORN-AGAIN Alan Hutton has revealed how Rangers fans who once slagged him off now say sorry in the street.

The full-back - a revelation for Gers and Scotland this season - can't quite believe the praise he has been getting.

Hutton became a target for the punters after suffering a form dip under old boss Paul Le Guen last year on his return from a broken leg.

His Ibrox career looked over before it had started but the 23-year-old has flourished since Walter Smith returned as boss in January.

Hutton's galloping runs down the right have caught the eye and he has arguably been the best player in the country this term.

The defender has played a key role in Gers' stunning Champions League run and can't wait to take on mighty Barcelona in the Nou Camp on Wednesday night.

And Alan admits his transformation has forced some supporters to eat humble pie.

He said: "It was hard for me to take the criticism. I've dealt with a lot in my short career.

"But I've come through the bad times and now it's the opposite - a lot of good things are being said about me.

"I've had punters coming up to me - Rangers and Celtic fans - saying 'I remember I shouted at you during a game. I apologise and I'm your biggest fan now. I support you 100 per cent'.

"It has gone from one extreme to the other and it's amazing how people can change their opinions after just a few months."

Hutton's stunning form has been noticed across Europe and a Spanish newspaper compared him to Brazilian legend Cafu after Rangers' 3-0 Champions League triumph in Lyon.

Newcastle and Manchester City have sent scouts to run the rule over him but Hutton is happy to stay put.

He said: "Teams are now setting up to stop me and against Motherwell in the CIS Cup I had someone following me everywhere.

"Getting forward is a big part of my game and if other sides see that as a threat they've every right to try to stop it. It's a big compliment and shows I'm doing well. I read the piece comparing me to Cafu and just laughed it off.

"To be mentioned in the same breath as someone of his stature is just unbelievable.

"My mates have given me a bit of stick about it. The boys were determined to knockmeback down to earth as well, telling me not to believe the hype and winding me up. So it has been a good laugh.

"I've read about other clubs being interested but it won't change me. I've just signed a new contract at Ibrox for five years and I'm enjoying my football.

"The only thing I'm interested in is doing my best for Rangers and Scotland."

In the Group E stalemate with Barca at Ibrox two weeks ago, Hutton managed to nullify the threat of Thierry Henry.

He admits it was "weird" just being on the same pitch as the former Arsenal hero but insists Gers can defy the odds again at the Nou Camp in midweek.

He said: "Growing up as a kid you think of it as a stadium with the 'wow' factor.

"To actually go there and play in a competitive match is unreal.

"It's not as daunting for me now because of the big games I've been involved in. But I still get that wee nervous feeling in every match.

"I wasn't too troubled at Ibrox against Barcelona but had to concentrate for 90 minutes.

"I was playing against some of the world's best players and it was a great learning experience. Henry was the guy in my area. He was a player I looked up to and suddenly I'm on the same pitch as him.

"It was a hard night against him but one I thoroughly enjoyed.

"When the ball wasn't on our side we had a few wee chats.

"Being alongside these guys and talking to them was strange.

"It's weird when you idolise someone then you're standing on the pitch talking to them.

"But he's just a player and so am I. You must enjoy the experience.

"The Barcelona game is quite similar to Scotland going to Paris.

"We will be the underdogs with nobody expecting us to take away anything. But no-one expected us to do anything in this group or get a result against them at Ibrox.

"If we play to the best of our ability you never know.We did it against Lyon away so there's no reason why we can't do it again."