Tonka talks Fulham

James Tomkins is thinking only of West Ham United getting back to winning ways at the Boleyn Ground - starting with Sunday's London derby visit of Fulham.

With both of West Ham United's home games so far coming against big-spending opponents in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, Tomkins is looking for the Hammers to pick up their first points of the season at the Boleyn Ground when Roy Hodgson's men visit.

"We are not worried," Tomkins said. "We have had a few tough games against teams that are going to be up there. The lads are looking at the next game as a massive game.

"It is important with the fans get behind us early on and hopefully we can get a result."

Although Monday night's defeat to Manchester City was disappointing, Tomkins explained the mood at Chadwell Heath remained positive and was certain that the Hammers would turn the corner.

"The result on Monday was not good result for us but there was a few positives, in the second half we came out and gave it a go. But it wasn't to be.

"It wasn't a walkover. We had plenty of play, it was just creating chances at that moment. I am sure that will come. Fulham is the next game and it is a massive game for us."

Gianfranco Zola has handed Tomkins a start in the last four games. At Eastlands, the absence of Matthew Upson and Danny Gabbidon meant the Academy graduate was paired with new recruit Manuel Da Costa for the first time. As a result the England Under-21 international was in the unfamiliar position of being the senior figure in terms of Premier League experience.

"There is more responsibility," Tomkins said. "I have grown up in the last few games, I have learned a lot and I am trying to take responsibility. I am one of the more experienced players funnily enough.

"Matty [Upson] does a great job, doing the leading. I try to feed off him. I have had to grow up quick and be a leader. I want to keep on improving my game. It comes with experience but it is important I learn quickly.

"I have had a few games this season. I am getting better and more confident each game. I just want to get back to winning as a team and that is important. It is only a few games in but we need to get them under our belt."

Tomkins came close to getting West Ham United on the scoresheet with a second-half chance from an Alessandro Diamanti corner, but it flew just wide. After opening his account for the Hammers with a great header from a similar opening against Sunderland last season, the 20-year-old is determined to double his tally as soon as possible.

"I have worked hard on that part of my game. It is a good thing that I am getting in the positions and hopefully soon I am going to get it in the back of the net. I am going to keep working hard and get that goalscoring going."