Tomkins signs contract extension with the Hammers

1:46pm Thursday 1st May 2008

PROMISING West Ham youngster James Tomkins has committed his future to the club by signing an extension to his contract.

The 19-year-old defender (pictured) made his Irons debut in the 1-1 draw at Everton on March 22 and has impressed the management team with a series of mature displays since then.

"It shows what West Ham think of me"

- James Tomkins

He becomes the latest Academy star to tie his long-term future to the club - Bonz N'Gala, Joe Widdowson, Ashley Miller and Freddie Seals having all agreed new deals in recent months.

Tomkins told the club's official website: "I have signed a contract extension to my existing deal. It is obviously good that West Ham have come to me and offered me one.

"It is really great news and it has been a good end to the season for me.

"I have got the contract and that gives me confidence going into the games. It shows what West Ham think of me."

Tomkins - who has been given an extended first team chance in the wake of injuries to six of the club's centre halves - could be in line for his biggest test yet when the Irons take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

But the teenager has so far adapted well to the step up to senior level.

That was evident in Hammers' 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Saturday where he put in an assured performance against the Toon's three-fold attack of Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka.

"It was good, another good experience for me," said Tomkins.

"Again I was playing against some world-class strikers in Viduka and Martins so it was a good test.

"I did okay - there is room for improvement but I am sure I will get there in the end.

"I am learning with every game and I am just enjoying it at the moment.

"Playing against these sorts of players, week in, week out is brilliant for me. I am learning from it and enjoying it."

Meanwhile, Tomkins and Sears have both been called up to the England squad for this month's 2008 European U19 Championship qualifying round.

The Young Lions will play in a mini-tournament against hosts Belarus, Serbia and Poland, with the winners going through to the eight-nation finals in the Czech Republic in July.

Around the site