The Boro centre-half found himself snubbed by manager Craig Levein when the Scotland squad that faces the Czech Republic on March 3 was announced earlier this week.
Hoyte, however, has been so impressed by the leadership qualities the former Celtic skipper has brought to Gordon Strachan's side he admits to being amazed when he heard Levein had not selected McManus for the friendly international.
Dundee United pair Andy Webster and Garry Kenneth have been preferred ahead of the on loan defender who has been urged by his international boss to regain his selfbelief by playing regular Championship football.
McManus last featured for his country in their 3-0 defeat to Wales in Cardiff last November.
Despite impressing since joining Boro, Levein is concerned the 27-year-old lost confidence during his spell on the sidelines at Parkhead and urged him to concentrate on club football rather than focus on a Scotland recall.
Prior to his loan move to the Riverside McManus had become a peripheral figure under Tony Mowbray, featuring in only eight Scottish Premier League games this season.
But he has quickly established himself as a first choice in Strachan's team and Hoyte has seen enough to convince him that McManus should soon add to his 22 international caps.
His performances in every game have shown what a quality player he is and Scotland must have some pretty good defenders if he's not being picked, said the Middlesbrough full-back.
I must admit I was a bit amazed to hear that he wasn't in the squad. He's really impressed us since he came here.
He is a great leader, gets everyone going in training and is just the kind of player we needed. You always need a few big characters in the dressing room and he has brought that.
Hoyte was ousted by Kyle Naughton from the Boro XI that lined up at Nottingham Forest on Saturday and the former Arsenal defender admits he's facing a challenge to secure a starting berth.
The gaffer brought in players he rates so none of us can rest on our laurels, said Hoyte.
Kyle is a good full-back but I'm confident in my own abilities.
I can play at left and right back so that gives me an edge. But the competition in the squad now means that if I don't perform then someone is ready to take my place.
Maybe if I can pop up with the odd goal or create one for the strikers then it would help boost my cause because we are struggling in front of goal as everyone knows.
Hoyte denied that stories linking Strachan with moves for Peterborough's George Boyd or Wigan's Jason Koumas was prompted by concerns of a lack of creativity in the squad following Adam Johnson's move to Manchester City.
Hoyte said: Everyone is talking about us needing more spark and someone to create chances but I wouldn't agree. We are making plenty of chances in games.
Franksy (Jonathan Franks) has done very well and Willo Flood shows some great touches so I think we have players who do the business.
I'm not sure we are crying out for more flair players since Adam Johnson left but I'm sure the gaffer will strengthen the squad as he sees fit.
We have to consider every home game from now until the end of the season as winnable. If we get our home form right we can push into the play-offs.
Hoyte was speaking as past and present footballers, including Curtis Fleming and Dean Gordon, helped to promote a day of anti-racism education at the Riverside Stadium as part of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign.
An injury time James Gray penalty helped secure a 3-2 victory for Boro Reserves at home to Rotherham United. Goalkeeper Brad Jones made his first appearance since December and Oni Roushias and Danny Hawkins got Boro's other goals.
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo