8:17am Wednesday 10th September 2008
WEST Ham United teenager James Tomkins made a successful comeback from injury in a 4-0 reserve friendly win over Norwich City on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old has been out of action since suffering a medial knee ligament injury while in training with England at this summer's UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Tomkins, who impressed in making six Premier League appearances at the tail-end of last season, produced a strong performance at the Irons' Chadwell Heath training ground.
And the youngster is set to continue his rehabilitation when the Hammers open their Barclays Premier Reserve League South campaign against Chelsea at Brentford's Griffin Park next Monday.
The victory over the Canaries was also marked by goals from the club's promising trio of young strikers.
Former Cambridge United forward Jack Jeffrey scored twice, while Tomkins' England Under-19 colleague Freddie Sears and Zavon Hines were also on target in a comfortable victory.
Wales international midfielder Jack Collison, who also made his first-team bow last term, also made a successful return from his own knee ligament injury by playing for an hour for Kevin Keen's side.
Uruguay international full-back Walter Lopez, who arrived at the club on a one-year deal from Montevideo-based River Plate last week, has also staked a claim to make his full Irons debut at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
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