ALAN HUTTON has been ruled out of action for up to five months with a broken foot.

The Scotland and Spurs full-back's worst fears were confirmed when scans revealed the £9million man was in for another long lay-off.

Hutton has already missed a large chunk of the season because of the same injury, but returned in the last few weeks only to still feel pain in his foot.

The news will also come as a huge blow to Scotland coach George Burley, who has been unable to field the former Rangers man in any of World Cup qualifying matches.

He'll now be without him for the crucial match away to Holland in March and also the home tie against Iceland at the beginning of April.

A statement on the Spurs website confirmed: "Alan Hutton is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a fracture in his right foot. The Scottish international defender will now undergo surgery and faces up to five months out of action."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp added: "It's the same injury that kept him out at the start of the year; they decided not to operate, and it seems to have flared up again."

Meanwhile, Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo says he is enjoying the best spell of his career at Wolves this season after netting another double for his side during the week.

He said: "It's definitely some of the best football I've ever played."