Steve Bruce: 'Ridiculous' Alan Hutton epitomises everything I want in a player

The Scot, who will turn 34 in November, continues to astound his manager by proving himself one of the fittest members of Villa’s squad and is set to play another big role this season.

Hutton is now the club’s longest-serving current player after a rollercoaster career since joining from Tottenham in 2011.

At one stage he went more than two years without making a first-team appearance but is now firmly established as a favourite with both supporters and Bruce.

Hutton’s name is understood to be among the most frequently requested by fans purchasing replica shirts, while he is nicknamed the “Scottish Cafu” by the fanbase.

Bruce said: “He trains and plays like it’s his last day. No matter what kind of supporter you are they associate with that. They know he had a bit of a tough time but he rolls his sleeves up and he gets on with it and gives you everything he’s got, week-in, week-out.

“I think I’ve picked him more than any other player since I’ve been here. He epitomises what I want from my players.

“Yes, he makes the odd mistake now and again, don’t we all? But by God I love his attitude to being a professional footballer and the way he plays is quite refreshing these days.”

Hutton enjoyed his most consistent campaign for the club last season. He then signed a new one-year deal on significantly reduced terms during the summer - at the height of Villa’s financial crisis.

“He has a quite remarkable attitude to how he trains and plays,” said Bruce.

“I think he realises he’s now 34 so he’s at the wrong end of his career – so let’s enjoy it and work hard.

“He’s grasped one thing more than most – that when you get a bit older you have to work harder at it because it doesn’t come as naturally to you as it did when you were 24. So he works and trains and looks after himself and runs.

"There can’t be a better 33-year-old physically, I think that would be impossible. He’s in wonderful condition and that’s all down to him. Terrific he is.

“If I had 11 players like Alan Hutton, with his desire, enthusiastic and work ethic, I’d take that.”