HUTTON’S VILLA FUTURE STILL UP IN THE AIR

ALAN HUTTON still faces a big fight to convince Aston Villa chiefs to give him a new contract.

Villa’s dependable Scottish full-back, 33, was stunned to be told in January he would be released in the summer.

Boss Steve Bruce then told frustrated Hutton (left) last month to expect a deal if thirdRobins placed Villa win promotion this season.

But his contract remains up as Villa chiefs feel they have plenty of cover at right-back and also have Financial Fair Play concerns.

Hutton, who has made 26 appearances this term, has also slotted in at left-back recently ahead of Neil Taylor. He has been at Villa seven years since joining in 2011 from Spurs. His situation has alerted several Championship rivals.

Ebere Eze plans to spearhead the next generation of talent to emerge off the QPR production line.

Rangers boss Ian Holloway has been forced to blood a host of young guns, amid a cost-cutting exercise. And midfielder Eze, 19, said: “I’ve enjoyed the experience and just want to start as many games as I can.

“The manager has given me the understanding and the mindset of not being scared to take risks.

“He told me not to worry if things go wrong, and to keep doing what I’m good at. It’s what I needed to hear.”