Alan Hutton has apologised to Thomas Sorensen for a clumsy challenge that caused the Stoke City goalkeeper to leave the pitch in their match on Sunday. But the Tottenham Hotspur defender is angry at the way Sorenson has reacted since.

Hutton was booked for the incident but Sorensen later continued the argument, saying he was a millimetre from losing his sight.

"It's harsh," said the Scotland full-back. "I said I was sorry and I totally mean that. I'd like to say sorry again. Hopefully he'll be back as soon as possible.

"I've been in that position before myself and I would never go out and try to harm anyone. It was one of those things.

"I've received bad tackles, it's a contact sport, I don't say anything about it."

Hutton will play against Udinese in the Uefa Cup tonight, after returning from a foot problem, but Tom Huddlestone has an injury and did not travel. It is Tottenham’s worst ever start to a season.

“Of course there is guilt among the players” Hutton said. “The manager picks the team, but it’s us who go out and perform. It’s definitely us who have to do better because we have a lot of good players and internationals.

“It’s early doors, we have the quality to get out, so I don’t worry too much about the loeague. All the boys take one game at a time. This is a massive competition for us and we need to take it as seriously as possible. We have not lost belief. It’s not been a great start, but everybody believes in themselves. It’s just a cast of everybody gelling. I have been in a similar position when I was at Rangers, so I know how bad it can be.”