SUNDERLAND'S hopes of converting Justin Hoyte's loan deal into a permanent arrangement have been dented by Arsene Wenger's glowing reference to the enterprising full-back.

Hoyte has been one of the few bright spots during the Black Cats' disappointing start back in the Premiership, proving that he is more than capable of making a name for himself at that level.

Wenger agrees, and the Gunners boss has been delighted to hear the young defender has been starring for the Black Cats in an unfamiliar role.

The 20-year-old has moved to the Stadium of Light until the end of the season and Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy has made no secret of the fact he would like to sign him more long-term.

However, McCarthy realises there is sure to be plenty of interest in Hoyte and that there is no clear evidence to suggest the Gunners are willing to let him move on for good.

Wenger has admitted he has been hugely impressed by Hoyte's performances on Wearside and that he has spoken to McCarthy about the player's development.

"I always felt Justin would be a late developer, but he is an outstanding talent. He is not overly-confident and that has perhaps held him back a bit, but I've been delighted with how he is doing at Sunderland," he said.

"I felt a move there was ideal for him because it would teach him about playing, week after week, in the Premiership. It is a good club with a good manager.

"We have a report about him from every game and, from what I've been told, he has been one of Sunderland's best players.

"I've also spoken to Mick and he has delivered a glowing report of him, not just as a player, but as a person and that's also important.

"To see Justin doing so well for Sunderland is good news for Arsenal. What makes it even more remarkable is that he is playing at left back and he is actually a right back. I'm very pleased with him."

Hoyte's impressive form for Sunderland has led to him being recalled to the England Under-21s squad - something he targeted when he first agreed to join McCarthy's men.

He was dropped from Peter Taylor's squad because of his lack of competitive action at Highbury and it looked as if he would not be able to add to his seven caps.

However, Hoyte, who celebrates his 21st birthday the day before Sunderland's next game with Aston Villa on November 19, has the chance to do that this week when England go head-to-head with France for a European Championships play-off.

Wenger said: "When you look at the senior England side, Gary Neville is one of the senior players at right back, but there is possibly a space in the squad in that position. It is a position Justin can play for England in the future, I don't doubt that."

Hoyte, who has played in the Champions League for Arsenal, started the campaign by playing in the Community Shield defeat to Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium.

Since making the switch to the North-East he has played in every Premiership fixture, apart from being ineligible to play against his parent club on Saturday because of the rules of the loan agreement.

Sunderland will use the international fortnight to try to ensure French midfielder Christian Bassila is back to full fitness.

Read more about Sunderland here.