Arsenal Defender Gavin Hoyte: Brighton Loan Has Boosted My Confidence

By Alex Stamp

On-loan Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte says his confidence has been boosted by the extension of his loan deal with Brighton.

Hoyte was originally on a month's loan from Arsenal, but after it expired on 15th November, Gus Poyet moved quickly to extend his stay until January.

Hoyte told seagulls.co.uk, "He asked me if I was happy and I said yes, as I've been playing. He thought I've been playing well where he has seen me so that's a boost for me too.

"Arsenal think it's good to extend the stay, because I've been playing.

"I've grown in confidence and Arsenal have been in regular contact with me and they're happy that the standard is good."

Hoyte, who is an England under 20 international, was reserve team captain at Arsenal last season, as well as enjoying a similar loan move to Watford last season.

His progress at Brighton was hit by a three match suspension following a red card, but Hoyte believes he can even learn from his mistakes.

He said: "I now know not to get involved and to keep my head, because I lost it that day.

"The manager spoke to me and said it was a silly sending off, but I have put it behind me now."

"In the three games that I've missed, the team have done well and against Southampton I thought they were brilliant.

"I need to look forward to playing now and try to get back into the team. I'll train as hard as I can to try and get myself back into the team and see what happens from there."