Former Tottenham fullback Alan Hutton is delighted over the way he has been welcomed at Aston Villa.

Hutton is relishing his future courtesy of the convivial character of boss Alex McLeish and the warmth shown to him by his new team-mates.

He told Villa's website: "The boys have welcomed me in and the manager has been great.

"The lads in the back four have got lots of experience at club level and national level and they've helped me along so much.

"They're always talking to me and helping me. They have made it really easy to settle in.

"The manager has been brilliant too. He's been there, done it and got the t-shirt if you like.

"He was a fantastic footballer himself, so just that guidance will help. He's a strong character too.

"When I worked with him before and I was struggling or having a dip in form he would always encourage me. I think as a team you want a man who you can always go to and I think Alex is like that.

"I can see his influence growing. He's been like that wherever he has been. I don't see why here would be any difference. We've got a great squad and it's just about learning what he wants us to do and progressing as a team."