Albion are keen to keep hold of Gavin Hoyte – but not for the FA Cup.

The on-loan Arsenal right-back has impressed in an initial month on loan from Arsenal.

Hoyte, 19, makes his fourth appearance against Oldham at Withdean today and the Seagulls want the Gunners to agree to an extension.

Assistant manager Dean White said: “He has done well. He has got great pace and he is a proper defender. It is not a bad pairing, him and Elliott (right winger Elliott Bennett).

“He wants to attack as well and sometimes we have to put the reins on him but he is a good lad. He has come in and just got on with it and he has done a decent job.”

The current arrangement means Hoyte is with Albion until the trip to Southampton on Sunday, November 15 but he could be borrowed for a maximum of 93 days.

Arsenal accepted Albion’s request to stretch Hoyte’s initial stay to include the clash against Saints, since he is unlikely to be available for the first round of the FA Cup the weekend before.

Hoyte featured for the Gunners in the Carling Cup last season and Arsene Wenger traditionally makes maximum use of his squad in the domestic knockout competitions.

Andrew Whing, back in full training following hernia surgery, should be fit to return at right-back in the FA Cup.

White said: “He has been out for a few weeks and he needs a game really in the reserves to get match fit.

“He is another defender who can play in a few positions, so that is a bonus.”

Albion will find out their FA Cup opponents tomorrow lunchtime, when the draw is made live on ITV.