Hoyte settles easily into Southgate’s style

8:55am Thursday 28th August 2008

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JUSTIN Hoyte gave such an assured performance on his debut in Middlesbrough’s League Cup win over Yeovil on Tuesday night it’s hard to believe it was his first competitive start in a Boro shirt.

Part of the reason for Hoyte adapting so quickly to life on Teesside may be Gareth Southgate and Arsene Wenger’s shared approach to the game.

The Middlesbrough boss has clearly taken a leaf out of the Wenger coaching manual – developing a young squad with flair and pace.

“Arsenal played a good passing game at high tempo and at Boro we are playing a similar style,” said Hoyte.

“He (Southgate) wants us to get forward and pass the ball in dangerous areas but also wants to defend as a team.

“Gareth obviously has different ways of managing the team to Arsene Wenger and different training but he has a similar approach in the way he wants the team to play.

“It was delightful to play in that kind of performance and nice to get my first game under my belt.”

One of Hoyyte’s colleagues also staked a claim for a regular starting berth. Mido, linked with a move to Wigan last week, demonstrated again in Tuesday night’s victory why he is such a crowd favourite.

Southgate said: “His attitude to not starting every week has been first class.

“We know the quality he’s got and his physical presence and ability to win headers is something our other strikers don’t have.

“I’ve told him I want him to be part of this football club.

Now he’s getting up to full fitness and scoring goals, which gives me a selection problem.

“It’s doubtful that we’ll add to the squad before the transfer deadline but I certainly don’t intend to be losing any players. That’s the one thing we’re thinking about but it would be a case of cover – the great thing we’ve seen is that our two ‘keepers can play at this level.”

■ Southgate may look to bring in goalkeeping cover following Brad Jones continued absence after dislocating his finger in the warm up at Liverpool last Saturday.