Alan Hutton feels he has a fresh chance at Aston Villa.
Despite being left in limbo for the past two campaigns, Hutton now remains fully focused on transforming his career back in the top flight and helping Villa progress.
"It's been a long time since I was involved so to be given this opportunity again is great," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"Who would have thought it could have happened? Certainly not me. With what has gone on in the last few seasons I thought my future would lie elsewhere.
"But the boss has given me a chance to show what I can do.
"I think I've had a decent pre-season and he's stuck with me.
"I just have to work double hard now to show everybody I can play."