WEST HAM defender James Tomkins is determined to force his way back into Avram Grant's first team plans.

The youngster started the Hammers' first game of the new season at Aston Villa but has since been overlooked by the manager in league matches.

He featured in the reserves' 1-0 victory over Everton yesterday, and he hopes his displays for Alex Dyer's team will be enough for him to break back into the starting XI.

"It's important to get match-practice in. I've known Alex (Dyer) for a long time and he's a good man, and he has got a good team spirit in the reserves, which is good,” he told West Ham's website.

"I really want to play. I'll keep working hard and trying to impress in training, as that's all I can do. If I do play well for the reserves, hopefully the feedback will get back to the manager and, you never know, I might get to play. That's all that I want to do - to play."