Hutton in league of his own after wonder goal
ALAN Hutton has revealed how he now feels ‘one of Aston Villa’s own’ after his wonderful solo strike in the 4-2 win over bitter rivals Birmingham City.
The Scot, a boyhood Rangers fan, admitted he used to dream about scoring in the Old Firm derby against Celtic when he was a little boy.
But after seven years in the Midlands, Hutton has adopted Villa as his second team and described his joy after wrapping up a crucial win.
“It was amazing,” he said. “I have been here a long time and had my ups and downs.
“At the moment I am just really happy with my football and the way things are going.
“To score in a massive derby, means so much.
“I’m just like Jack (Grealish), I feel I have been here that long I am part of it so to score in a derby is an amazing feeling.
“I feel a connection here. I don’t really know how to explain it. You get goosebumps when you are out there and the supporters are singing your name. Having gone through some bad times and come back, it is an amazing feeling.”
Hutton was pumped up after the match and spoke about his favourite career memories.
Asked whether this was his favourite, he replied: “It’s up there. Have I scored a better goal? No, I haven’t. Only in training but they don’t count.
“It was one of those ones growing up when I always wanted to score in a Rangers-Celtic game.
“This is very similar to those games. To be able to score, at the Holte End as well, was just an unbelievable feeling.
“My mind was made up for me when things opened up. I thought one of the defenders was going to come out to me and didn’t.
“It helped me make my mind up. I didn’t realise how deep I picked it up. I think it was Gards [Criag Gardner] I got past. When I got near the backline they stepped off and it made my mind up.
“Before then I was thinking of passing it. When it opened up, I thought I might as well have a shot! I’m just over the moon.” it
Villa boss Dean Smith offered his take on the goal.
“He does that in training every other day!’’ he said. “It was a good finish, he’s a good player.
“You always have a perception of people before you come to the club and I’ve only got positive things to say about him.
“Application, attitude, professionalism, he’s got quality as well and he can score goals like that.”
Grealish, who was also on target with Villa’s second goal, revealed his delight for Hutton and added: “It was unbelievable, wasn’t it?
“I was next to him. I think he ran past Craig Gardner and I thought Craig was going to give him a kick.
“He just carried on! was a great goal and I know how much it means to Hutts.
“He is a great player and has been a great It servant to this club. moon for him.’’ Asked whether anyone was asking him to pass, Grealish added: “I’m not sure. After what he did at Hull, we just let him get on with it.” Meanwhile, Grealish has erased the failed summer move to Tottenham from his memory and remains fully committed to getting ‘his’ Villa back into the big time. The 23-year-old admitted earlier in the year he was frustrated at missing out on a move back to the Premier League as he harbours ambitions of breaking into the England squad. But after scoring on Sunday, Grealish believes Villa have the I am over the momentum to mount a Championship promotion challenge and rejoin the elite for next season.
“The start of the season was tough for me,” he explained. “I had such a tough summer when I did not know where I was going to be. People might think ‘it’s just football’ but it does play with your head. It took me a little time to get over that.
“But this is my club, this is what I have dreamed of, ever since I was a kid. I have always wanted to play for Aston Villa so I am not going to sit there and think ‘I could have been there’ or whatever. The grass isn’t always greener.”
Asked whether Villa Park will always remain home to him, Grealish said: “It feels that way, yes. If you look at our team, look at our manager and everything, the ground and the facilities, I think we belong in the Premier League.
“It’s a good league, it’s tough and I like it, but the Premier League is where I want to be, with Villa.”