Pearce applauds Tomkins debut

Stuart Pearce has heaped praise on youngster James Tomkins following his debut performance against Azerbaijan. The West Ham defender played his part at both ends of the pitch in the friendly tie at stadium:mk - solid in defence after rattling the woodwork just 45 seconds into the match.Pearce says he would have no hesitation in throwing the 20-year-old into his starting eleven at this summer's European Under 21 Championship after such a solid performance on debut.Admitting to being thoroughly impressed by his approach to the game, Pearce has since visited West Ham's training ground to check on the talented youngster.The Hammers boast a string of players in Pearce' gifted squad, with Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas, Freddie Sears and Jordan Spence all signed to the London club.Outstanding"Tomkins, for his first cap, was outstanding I thought," Pearce told West Ham's official website."Right across the group, not just the West Ham players, there were players without a great deal of experience - the likes of Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs and Everton's Jack Rodwell, the next generation if you like - who did very well for us."He added: "The one thing I must say is that they're all outstanding kids who have been brought up in the right manner, enjoy their football and are dedicated to their profession."The likes of Theo Walcott and James Milner, they are desperate to play, wherever you put them."

Source: SKY_Sports