Poyet to make decision on Hoyte this week + should Emmanuel-Thomas return?

New Brighton manager Gus Poyet will make a decision this week whether to extend the loan deal of Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte.

The England U20 international is currently serving a suspension for his first professional red card and was due to return to Arsenal last week. However, the Gunners are willing to allow Hoyte to stay with the Seagulls for an extended period of time should Poyet require his services. Hoyte has made six appearances for Brighton since joining in October and spent the second half of last season on loan at Watford in the Championship.

Another player due to return to London Colney shortly is Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. The tall, versatile player has made seven starts and a further five substitute appearances for Ian Holloway’s Blackpool so far this season and his loan deal expires tomorrow. However, he has already played in the Carling Cup for the Tangerines earlier in the campaign meaning that he would be ineligible to play for Arsenal against Manchester City next month. With Reserve games occuring sporadically, it is probably best for Emmanuel-Thomas to stay out on loan but whether he does so and where will be to Arsene Wenger’s discretion.