Hutton Is 10 Seconds From Glory

Feb 3 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

Hutts: Now I Know I Made Right Choice To Leave Gers

ALAN HUTTON cruised through his Spurs debut against Manchester United yesterday then claimed he made the right decision to quit Scotland.

The former Rangers star didn't want to leave Glasgow when Juande Ramos first tried to lure him to London for £9million at the start of the transfer window.

But after the 1-1 draw against the Premiership champions at White Hart Lane the 23-year-old insisted he had no regrets over last week's move.

Hutton coped brilliantly with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in an impressive debut.

But his big day was spoiled when Carlos Tevez bagged a cruel equaliser with less than 10 seconds to go.

The Scotland right-back loved the experience though and can't wait for more thrilling showdowns.

Hutts said: "I had some doubts about leaving Rangers but being involved in a game like this makes me realise I've made the right decision.

"I'm sure I've made a great choice coming to a massive club like this.

"It's what every boy in Scotland dreams about. It was a big step for me but I'm glad I've taken it. The Tottenham fans were fantastic.

"From the first minute they reacted brilliantly towards me.

"People might think there's pressure onme because of the big fee but I didn't feel it. I believe in myself.

"I went out there and did what I've always done - that's why Spurs bought me. Hopefully I can do the same job for them as I did for Rangers.

"The coach leaves team selection to quite late on but told me in the morning I was starting.

"When he gave me the news I was excited.

"I was up for it and everything went well - except for the late goal."

Hutton certainly didn't look out of place in one of the best leagues in the world. But he admits he'll have to get used to playing at a much higher standard than the SPL.

And the Scotland star hopes players like Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov will help him adapt to life down south quickly.

Alan said: "The pace wasn't that different.

"The big change is you're playing against more skilful players in England and you have to be aware of that in every minute.

"You can't let your concentration drop so it's going to be more difficult for me in the Premiership.

But I'm confident I can do well.

"The Spurs players have made me feel welcome in London and that's a major bonus.

"They've helped me settle in the last few days and we all want to go from strength to strength now.

"The training hasn't been that different to Rangers. It's tactical and Ramos works us hard but that's no different to what I'm used to."

Ramos was delighted with Hutton's debut and reckons there's more to come from the former Ibrox star.

The Tottenham boss said: "It was a good game for Hutton considering he had only trained for two days and didn't know his team-mates well.

"It will help him improve and he will get better as he gets to know the other players. He is covering one of the weaker areas of the team."