Hutton defends himself over tackle

Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton has ended his silence over the tackle which ruled West Brom striker Shane Long out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 play-off earlier this month and insists he would never deliberately hurt any player.

Hutton came in for strong criticism over the Villa Park challenge from Baggies head coach Roy Hodgson, who described the tackle as "vicious" during last month's Barclays Premier League clash.

But, although sorry for causing the injury, Hutton has brushed aside Hodgson's criticism, and said: "To be honest, I don't even listen to it. Things happen in football but I would never go out and mean to hurt somebody."

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