Tottenham defender Alan Hutton believes he has already improved as a footballer after just a few short months in the Premier League.Hutton left Rangers for Tottenham in January but is relishing the opportunity to showcase his talents north of the border again as Scotland face Croatia in a friendly at Hampden Park oin Wednesday.

The full-back is again set to lock horns with Croatian star Niko Kranjcar, who came off second best when Spurs defeated Portsmouth 2-0 at the weekend.

"He's a good player with very good ability and great feet," said Hutton.

"That's what you are up against down south, every player you play against is an international or top quality.

"Overall, it has helped me become a better player as well, testing myself against these players every week.

"I think there is definitely a better standard down there. Concentration-wise you have to be on your toes every second of the game.

"If you switch off, the type of player you are up against can go by you in an instant. You really need to be careful but overall I am coping well and, hopefully, will continue to do that."

Hutton pocketed a Carling Cup winner's medal in only his third game after helping Spurs to a dramatic win over Chelsea last month after making the £9million move from Rangers during the January transfer window.

"To go down there and play in a cup final in my third game and win was a brilliant experience and, hopefully, there will be more to come," he added.

"I've really enjoyed it, I've settled in and my team-mates have been brilliant and really helped me along.

"At first, I was a wee bit wary of going down but overall I'm glad I made the switch when I did.

"The first couple of months have been brilliant and to be involved has made it all worth it.

"There were a lot of decisions to be made, not just the football, but the family side as well.

"I was only taking my time because I thought it was a massive decision for myself and my family. I have grown up supporting Rangers and it was a hard choice to leave."

Hutton has been denied a reunion with most of his former Rangers team-mates at Scotland's Cameron House base after Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, Allan McGregor and Christian Dailly were forced to withdraw through injury.

Kris Boyd remains the only representative of the Ibrox club in Burley's squad, although the quartet of absentees should be back in action in time for Saturday's Old Firm derby.

Rangers head into that clash with a three point-lead at the summit of the SPL - and a game in hand - over rivals Celtic and Hutton is well aware that a successful conclusion to the title race will mean further silverware for himself.

"They could go on to win everything this year and are doing really well," he said.

"If they win the league, I will still get a medal for the games I played and that would be nice.

"It does seem weird because I'm not really a part of it any more. It's a bit strange but you have to move on and I hope they do as well as they can."

Despite the protracted nature of his switch to London - Hutton resisted several approaches from Spurs before finally relenting - he has no regrets.

He added: "In my head, I wanted to finish the season with Rangers before I went down.

"But, personally, I think I was ready for the Premier League because I know I am able to cope with the pressures of the big games.

"At the end of the day £9million is a lot of money for a right-back. They are happy and I'm happy so it's not a problem.

"Rangers are a club I love and I would love to play for them again so you never know what's going to happen in the future. I may be back up here,

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