Negotiations are under way for Gavin Hoyte to extend his contract at Gillingham.

The former Arsenal defender is back in favour under the caretaker management team after struggling to win a place in the squad towards the end of Peter Taylor’s reign.

Hoyte was signed in the summer by Taylor on a short-term deal that expires on January 18. He started Tuesday night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy match against Bristol City – his first start since the Port Vale home game at the end of November.

Gills coach Steve Lovell is a big fan and wants Hoyte to stay. He said: “We are sorting that out. We want Gavin to stay. He has done well.

“He didn’t have much of a run-out with the last manager but I like him playing in this system, he has the energy to get up and down the line and is a decent defender.”