JUSTIN Hoyte has tipped Nyron Nosworthy to become a first-team regular next season, after claiming the Sunderland full-back was the club's most under-rated player last term, writes Scott Wilson.

Hoyte is now back at Arsenal after making 30 appearances in a season-long loan deal at the Stadium of Light.

The 21-year-old will be tussling with the likes of Lauren and Emmanuel Eboue next season, but admits he will be keeping an eye on how the Black Cats are handling life in the Championship following their recent relegation.

While he began last season at left-back, Hoyte was eventually switched to his preferred right flank, keeping Nosworthy out of the team, but rates the former Gillingham man highly.

"Nyron showed his quality last season," said the Londoner. "Towards the end, he showed he's got the ability to go forward and have shots. He's got quite a few tricks in his bag.

"He's always been more about defend, defend, but he was getting forward a lot more in the last few games and that was good for the fans to see.

"I have a lot of time for him because he was the one that helped me settle in well. We play in the same position and, initially, it was a bit difficult when one of us was playing and the other one wasn't.

"But we talked about it and that was it. He's a great lad and I wish him all the best. He's one player I will keep in contact with because he's been great - we have become great friends."

l Darlington defender Joey Hutchinson is ready to put his injury nightmare behind him next month.

The 24-year-old will be fit to resume training when the squad reassembles at the end of June.

Hutchinson, who missed the majority of the 2004/05 season when he suffered the same injury to his other knee, said: "I can't wait to get involved because it's been a nightmare."

Read more about Sunderland here.