ASTON VILLA DEFENDER Alan Hutton has spoken out for the first time about the infamous tackle he made on Shane Long.
Long was out of action for a number of weeks following the dangerous tackle, and missed Ireland’s Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia as a result of the injury, however Hutton insists he has nothing to feel guilty about.
He told the Birmingham Mail:
“Things happen in football. I would never go out and mean to hurt somebody. It has happened to me before and I just got on with it.”
And while Long refused to blame Hutton for his misfortune, West Brom manager Roy Hodgson criticised Hutton, describing the tackle as “wicked”.
However, Hutton claims he was not affected by Hodgson’s comments:
“It’s not a personal thing. But he (Hodgson) chose to say what he said and that’s fine, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I don’t tend to read into things. I went to win the ball, the follow through wasn’t great. But, like I say, I would never ever go out on to a pitch and mean to hurt anybody.“I think if you read too much into it, maybe the next time you think, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t go in for it’.”
Long has since returned from injury, scoring the winner in his side’s 2-1 win over Bolton, though he is again doubtful for this weekend’s game after suffering a leg injury in training.
Very good read i cant wait for huge Gavin to play for them look’s like all irish side’s have plenty of dept and strength
Murray, you left Shayne Bolton out of your back 3 assessments, probably the most explosive back in the squad, behind Mack, of course!
@Mary Corrigan: Was that him running in tries against Glasgow? looks a tidy player.
@Thesaltyurchin: Yes, it was!
@Mary Corrigan: Hope he can stay healthy!!! Really want this lad to get some luck this season…Pace and Power bottled.
At some stage this season hoping that we have Santi @ FB, Mack and Bolton on the wings!!
That’s a tasty back 3!
I’ve a feeling Ioane is going to be a dud signing. The Chiefs fans I’ve come across online are delighted to be getting rid of him
@5sZl1dX2: Sometimes a player needs a change of scene to recapture his form
Some gems in the Connacht Squad, Gavin, Ioane, Cordero who should make their mark this season.I still feel Connacht is the IRFUs greatest uptapped opportunity for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are quality players at Leinster who wont get much game time, think Scott Penney, Harry Byrne or Rob Rusell. All would be in the mix for a Connacht European match day 23
Secondly the current Connacht squad is particularly week in the front five. Just investing in acquiring 3 international players at SR, LH and Hooker would substantially level up Connacht and make those European away games more winnable for them. Wish the IRFU would allocate a few million more to Connacht and help them move into ERC knock out contenders
@Owen ODonoghue: One thing connacht never lack for are speedy outside backs, so Russell might not get many more games than at Leinster. Penny would at best be 2nd choice at 7 to Moose, who was Connacht’s best player in a strong back row. You’re mostly right about the tight five, but our international locks (Dillane and Thornbury) moved on because Connacht couldn’t afford to hold onto them, especially with RO’G headhunting Dillane.