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Alan Hutton

Defender Alan Hutton is unlikely to play again for Aston Villa because of the financial constraints at the club, admits manager Paul Lambert.

The 29-year-old, who earns a reported £40,000 a week, has not played for Villa since May 2012 and is training with the club's development squad.

Asked if Hutton would play for Villa again, Lambert replied: "It would be unlikely. He knows that.

"We need to get the [wage] structure down. There's never been any fall-out."

Hutton, whose contract expires in the summer of 2015, went on a one-month loan to Nottingham Forest in December 2012 before being loaned to Spanish side Real Mallorca the following month until the end of that campaign.

He has also continued to represent Scotland and won his 38th cap in last October's final World Cup qualifier, a 2-0 victory over Croatia.

"I wouldn't have thought it could carry on for another 12 months, into next season," Lambert added.

"I wouldn't want that for him. We need someone to come in for him.

"I've been to a couple of Scotland games and seen him do well. You'd think somebody would come in for him. The lad has to play."