West Ham United defender James Tomkins is thrilled to see Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll back in action and feels Slaven Bilic has a wealth of talent to choose from in the Hammers attack.
Valencia made a successful return when he played the final 20 minutes of a behind-closed doors friendly against Reading at the Boleyn Ground on Friday.
The talented forward has made a speedy recovery from a serious knee and ankle injury he sustained against Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League at the start of August.
Carroll also stepped up his fitness and moved closer to making a first-team return after he played the full ninety minutes and got on the scoresheet during the 4-3 defeat.
With Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho, Michail Antonio and Nikica Jelavic all battling for a place in the Hammers attack, Tomkins feels there is real competition for places and they have a number of different options to choose from.
Tomkins said: “It was good to see Andy back among the goals and get ninety minutes under his belt after being injured for a while.
“It is good for him to be back out there and it was also great to see Enner get some match fitness.
“He is ahead of schedule which is good for him and us as a team. If we can keep him fit he is an added bonus and the squad is looking very strong. It is nice for the players who are just coming back.
“I think we have got a good mixture in our attacking players. We have got physical presence and skilful players up there.
“We have got a nice mix and it is great for the gaffer if he needs to bring someone off the bench. Attacking wise we are looking really strong at the moment.
“From someone playing at the back you know we are going to score goals.”
Tomkins is now hoping the Hammers can extend their five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League when they play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next Saturday.
But the Hammers defender is expecting one of their toughest challenges of the season when they travel to south London.
Tomkins added: “Palace are going to be a difficult team to beat, especially at their place. They have had some great results and are sitting nicely in fourth which they thoroughly deserve.
“They are going to be as hard as anyone we have played this year.”