JUSTIN Hoyte says he is determined to preserve Sunderland's Premiership status before he returns to Arsenal at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old defender initially revealed that he wouldn't be adverse to a permanent Black Cats move should he be deemed surplus to requirements at Highbury. But since his arrival on Wearside Hoyte has developed into one of the Premiership's most promising fullbacks and his stock has risen considerably; making an indefinite move unlikely.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger only last week remarked that his young protg could be the eventual successor to regular England right back Gary Neville.

Arsenal have a defensive headache ahead of their Premier League clash at high-flying Wigan and it was rumoured Wenger may recall his England under 21 international.

Gael Clichy will be out of action until February with a broken foot; Ashley Cole is not available until after Christmas and, there are still doubts regarding the fitness of Sol Campbell.

Hoyte admitted he is aware of the problems facing Arsenal for their trip to the JJB Stadium this afternoon, but says he is more concerned about ending the Black Cats' miserable run of six successive League and cup games without a victory.

"I've seen the stuff in the papers about Arsenal's injury situation, but I don't regret coming here at all and I'm focused on my job at Sunderland," insisted the versatile defender.

"People have said there is a chance I could go back, but I don't worry about that. As far as I'm concerned I'm here to play for Sunderland until the end of the season.

"For me, the ideal scenario is to play here until May, keep Sunderland in the Premiership and then go back to Arsenal and push for a first team place there.

"I'm an Arsenal supporter so obviously I keep a close eye on what's going on there, but it doesn't affect me because I'm a Sunderland player at the moment."

Hoyte revealed the mood in the Black Cats' camp is good despite their recent results, but insists it is imperative they turn around their atrocious Premiership home form if they are to have any chance of survival.

He said: "We can't afford to be nervous at home, despite what has happened in the past. We need to go on to the pitch with our heads up and our chests out.

"We know how important the game against Aston Villa is because they are just above us in the table.

"There is added pressure because of that, but we just need to give it all we've got."

Anthony Le Tallec could feature today in what would be only his third league start for the club since his loan move from Liverpool in August.

Although the Frenchman has struggled to break into Mick McCarthy's side he has been in prolific form for the France under 21 side and Hoyte has backed him to reproduce that form for his club.

He said: "He's a good player, a very good player. He has shown for France Under-21s and he can bring something different into the side.

"He has a foreign way of playing and he can score goals.

"He is still regarded in France as one of their brightest prospects."

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