Scotland full-back Alan Hutton is desperate to return to first-team action in the near future, having drifted out of favour with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old former Rangers defender ended last season out on loan at Sunderland, but the Black Cats were priced out of a permanent deal, with Spurs looking to recoup much of the £9million they paid for Hutton.

"It has been tough for me. I was looking at options in the summer but nothing came off," Hutton told the Sunday Mail.

"I moved to Spurs for big money and if I leave, the club will be wanting that. But it's tough to get someone to pay that kind of cash when you haven't been playing.

"It's not a great situation to be in. I just need to keep my head up at the moment and keep going.

"At the moment I'd like to stay down in England. I have a lot to prove and a lot to offer down there - so my heart is set on doing well down south.

"I have a massive amount of unfinished business. Even at Spurs, I feel that way.

"But I want something sorted, one way or another, as soon as possible."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email