Alan Hutton: 'The injury couldn't have come at a worse time' | OneFootball

Aston Villa have won eight straight games to unexpectedly jump into the promotion play-off places but have done so without the help of Alan Hutton.

Hutton has been out since the end of February with a knee injury, however, he admits the injury could have been a lot worse.

“For me, personally, it couldn’t have come at a worse time,” he said.

“I’d played all season and then to pick up a knee injury like I did was very, very disappointing.

“When it happened out there on the pitch, I did hear something pop in my knee so I knew it was bad.

“But thankfully when the news came through, it wasn’t as bad as first feared.

“I am back now and looking forward to the remainder of the season.”

Despite the setback, Hutton hailed Dean Smith’s influence at Villa since taking over for Steve Bruce in October.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant. He is a young manager with fresh ideas.

“He knows exactly what he wants, exactly how he wants us to play – and he’s put a plan down to work to. It’s been really good.

“All the boys have really taken to him, as you can see from performances and results out there on the pitch.

“We’re really on the rise and it’s great for everyone involved. I’m sure the fans are loving it, too!”

Villa will face relegation-threatened Bolton this weekend.