Burley backs Spurs competition to push Hutton on to be Euro star
George Burley believes Alan Hutton could be the best attacking fullback in Europe - and says that just fighting to stay in the Tottenham team will improve the £9million player even further.
The former Rangers defender has impressed Burley, a marauding right-back in his playing days at Ipswich, and is certain to be an international stalwart under the new manager.
"I saw Alan against St Mirren about two weeks ago and you could see his attributes then," said Burley. "He has the capability to be one of the best attacking full-backs in European football."
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Earning his Spurs: Alan Hutton during a Scotland training session at Strathclyde Homes Stadium, Dumbarton
"I think, with the competition he will face at Tottenham, that will really push him on. The Premiership in England is a very difficult league, so I think it will be a big challenge for him.
"He thought long and hard about the move but I believe it will be a good one for him as a player."
The rise of the Premier League Scot has been identified by many as a sign of better times, with Hutton joining £9m goalkeeper Craig Gordon and £5m attacking star James McFadden - among others - in the English top flight.
Burley added: "That is great, but the biggest quality Scotland has is team spirit.
"We have good individuals. Some other countries have better individuals, but where we really stand out is that spirit. It's something we'll be concentrating on."
