Wow that's surprising. I don't think his ability has ever been in question. He had a shitter of a season under McLeish, we all know that, but of course, who didn't. That said, defensively he's never been worse than Lowton, and Bacuna (most games). I just think under McLeish the focus on Hutton was always defending because he was never allowed the freedom, due to our dour play, to go beyond the half way line. He's had far more attacking freedom this season for us, and it's allowed him to do what he did at Rangers and for Scotland, which is to provide plenty of running down the right. Hutton's a useful attacking option. If he reigns in crazy tackles and handballs that blighted him under TSM, then he'll do well. Lowton and Bacuna's attacking output in their respective good spells obviously papered over a lot of severe defensive cracks it must be said. Defensively, Hutton is a far stronger and assured hand. He's not a brilliant player by any means, but he's a Prem quality fullback.
Is it a bit too early to have offered him the deal? Probably. But on the pre and early season form, he's looked solid. Long may it continue.
