Tough call for Tomka

James Tomkins may not be involved against Middlesbrough this weekend after his unlucky dismissal last week, but he is looking forward to seeing who is crowned Hammer of the Year.

The reigning young player of the year has been rightly recognised for his own outstanding contribution since returning from injury and a loan spell at Derby County in the second half of the season. His form is such that he is being tipped to win a place in the England squad for next month's UEFA European Under-21 Championship alongside club-mate Mark Noble.

Tomkins' club season is over though after that unfortunate red card in the 3-1 reverse at Everton last Saturday when he appeared to clip Tim Cahill on his way through to goal. The England Under-20 defender has put the disappointment behind him and is more than happy to have his say on which of his team-mates might take the ultimate player prize this campaign.

He said: "I think it's a hard one, there's a lot of players that have done so well. It's the first time we've seen Valon [Behrami] play. A lot of people may have forgotten about him but you know how good he was at the start of the year especially.

"Then you've got Matthew [Upson], I've played alongside him and I've seen learnt a learnt a lot from him as he's been brilliant to me through the games as well. Robert Green has been brilliant again this year as has Scotty Parker."