Alex McLeish defends Alan Hutton after Shane Long tackle

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has defended Alan Hutton over the tackle that injured Shane Long last weekend.

The West Brom striker was taken off during his side's 2-1 win at Villa Park after a challenge by Hutton.

"Alan made a tackle, the ball was there to be won," said McLeish. "It is something that UEFA are clamping down on and I'm sure in ten years time you won't see any contact at all in football. It is heading that way."

Villa travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.