JUSTIN Hoyte prepared for this weekend's visit of highflying West Ham by admitting he wouldn't rule out a permanent move to Sunderland.

Hoyte has been a revelation since he joined the club on loan from Arsenal last month and displayed maturity beyond his 20 years.

He initially impressed on his debut against Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, when he snuffed out the threat of Shaun Wright-Phillips, and hasn't looked back since.

The versatile defender is due to leave the Black Cats in May when his one-year loan deal ends. But he admitted, should Arsenal decide they no longer require his services, a move to Wearside would be an attractive one.

"In an ideal world I will go back there and push for a first-team place with Arsenal," said Hoyte who will once again deputise at left back in place of the injured George McCartney this afternoon.

"But that might not be the case. I might go back there and they've brought some new players and I'm not needed.

"I certainly wouldn't rule out a permanent move to Sunderland. At the moment I want to go back to Arsenal at the end of the season but you can never rule anything out in football. I've got to keep my options open."

The Henden-born defender featured in both the Premiership and Champions League in making 12 appearances for the Gunners last season but despite taking big strides at Highbury, Arsene Wenger believes Hoyte's development will benefit more from Premier League action on Wearside than reserve-team football at Arsenal.

Hoyte backed his manager's decision and believes the way forward for young British players, who find the first-team door barred by expensive foreign exports, is to follow his example and get a loan move.

He said: "The thing with Arsene Wenger is he will give young players a chance if he feels they are ready.

"That's a bit different from Chelsea, who just go out and buy someone.

"When I get the chance it's up to me to perform. I've got to keep learning and I've got to keep progressing.

"I think a lot of young players at the top clubs will do what I'm doing, but it all depends on how quickly you progress."

Hoyte says he is enjoying his time on Wearside and a regular taste of Premiership action.

He said: "It's opened my eyes a bit because I've realised there is a life away from Arsenal.

"Sunderland are a very big club and I'm really happy to be here."

"I've settled in very quickly and have been welcomed into the squad very well.

"It's a bit different up here, it's certainly colder, but I've settled in fine.

"I'd just moved into my own place in London so it's not like I'm living away from home for the first time.

"The other lads laugh because Nyron Nosworthy and me hang around together a lot.

"I suppose he has taken me under his wing because we're both from London."

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