IT might have started as something of an emergency conversion, but Justin Hoyte feels his switch to left-back could yet become the defining moment of his career.

When the 20-year-old arrived at the Stadium of Light on transfer deadline day, he joined the Black Cats as a specialist right-back who was able to slot in at centre-half.

Ten days later, with George McCartney's hamstring showing no signs of improvement, he was shuffled to the left flank as Sunderland travelled to Chelsea.

An impressive display at Stamford Bridge preceded three more polished performances and, despite McCartney's international status, Hoyte has gone some way towards making the left-back spot his own.

Ashley Cole's recent foot injury has highlighted the dearth of English talent able to cover in that position and, after learning from the country's number one at Highbury, the Londoner is feeling more and more confident in the role.

"I think I've adapted quite well," said Hoyte, who has been freed to play against his permanent employers, Arsenal, in this month's Carling Cup tie on Wearside. "I enjoy playing there.

"In an ideal world, I'd prefer to play at right-back but I'm playing left-back at the moment and, if I do well, anything could happen for me.

"You never know. Left-back could end up being my position and I could end up playing there for the rest of my life.

"I'm comfortable with playing on the left. Even though I would really think of myself as a right-sided player, I'd played there for Arsenal and I knew what I was doing.

"It was quite new to me, but it wasn't like a step into the unknown or anything like that."

Versatility comes naturally to the youngster, so it should be no surprise to learn that he actually started his career in Arsenal's youth ranks as a striker.

Like most talented juniors, he was initially thrown up front in the hope that his silky skills would bring rewards in front of goal, and it was only by chance that he was moved back into defence.

"I actually played up front for quite a few years," revealed Hoyte. "I was certainly still playing as a striker when I joined Arsenal's Academy.

"But one day I turned up for a Youth Team game - Under-15s or Under-16s - and one of the lads didn't turn up. He was our right-back and the coach said to me 'Do you mind filling in there'?

"I filled in, played pretty well and, by the end of the game, the coach was saying 'That could be your new position'. I've played at the back ever since."

Hoyte's story is becoming increasingly common, with clubs gradually recognising the value in nurturing players able to fill a number of different roles.

Whereas a talented 13-year-old would historically have been told to play in a specific position, modern Academies prefer to ground them all over the field, waiting until much later to assign a positional tag.

"Football clubs have changed," said Hoyte. "They want young players to be able to play in every position. They want defenders who are comfortable on the ball and strikers who know how to tackle.

"Until you're about 18 now, clubs seem to operate on the understanding that you might not know your best position.

"People switch about a lot more. Most youngsters these days understand what's expected of them in every position on the pitch.

"One day, you might have to fill in there. At least this way, you'll know what you're supposed to do."

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