JUSTIN Hoyte admitted he did not need much persuading to join Sunderland from Arsenal after his boss Arsene Wenger lavished praise on the club.

Hoyte moved to the Black Cats on transfer deadline day on a season long loan to become Mick McCarthy's 12th summer signing.

The versatile 20-year-old defender, who has featured in both the Premiership and Champions League, made 12 appearances for the Gunners last season.

But despite taking big strides at Highbury last season, Wenger believes Hoyte's development will benefit more from a season on Wearside than staying on the periphery at Arsenal.

"The manager told me about Sunderland's interest at the end of last week and it all happened very quickly," revealed Hoyte, who will wear the number 32 shirt at the Stadium of Light and played for the reserves in last night's 2-1win at Manchester United.

"I was up for a medical on Tuesday and signed on Wednesday.

"He said it was an excellent opportunity for me, they were a good club with a good manager and some good players. The manager said it was up to me to come up here, work hard and make an impression.

"He gave me the choice and I could have said no, but as soon as I found out about it I wanted to come here.

"They are a well-supported team and have very passionate crowds so I'm looking forward to it. It's a new step in my career.

"All I want to do is play as many games as I can. Sunderland haven't had the best of starts, but they've been a little bit unlucky with the way results have gone.''

Hoyte hasn't had a chance to chat with his new boss about his role in the side, but admitted there was no doubt he would learn from McCarthy's playing experience.

He said: "I know he was a very good defender when he was a player so that was another factor in wanting to come here. I can learn a few things from him.

"Hopefully, I can play regular first team football, but I've got to show everyone here that I deserve a place. I've played in every position across the back four during my time at Arsenal, but I'm mainly a right-back. I made my debut a couple of seasons ago as a late substitute and have had a nice taste of the Premiership since."

As England move towards their World Cup qualifier double-header against Wales and Northern Ireland, Hoyte will be a more than interested observer with first choice right back Gary Neville injured.

Neville has been the country's first choice ever since breaking into Terry Venables set up ahead of Euro 96.

But with the Manchester United defender fast approaching his 31st birthday Hoyte hopes his move to Wearside will act as a springboard to play for England.

"Obviously my ambition is to play for England," admitted Hoyte. "Gary Neville is the first choice, but there are openings there if I can show I'm good enough.

"Sunderland can help with that because, hopefully, I can get regular first team football and develop as a player here. I want to progress while I'm here, I want to get back into the Under-21 side because I've been dropped as I've not been playing enough football. Then my aim has got to be to try and get in the full national side."

* Sunderland have reduced the prices of their tickets for the club's forthcoming Carling Cup second round tie with Cheltenham on Tuesday, September 20 at 7.45pm.

The club has reduced prices with tickets costing £10 adults and £5 juniors (under-16s) and senior citizens.