James Tomkins said the West Ham United squad were eager to make up for the disappointment of last Sunday when they welcome big-spending Manchester City.
The Hammers went down 1-0 at Sunderland with Tomkins and defensive partner Matthew Upson the shining lights of a strong rearguard display. Chances were at a premium in the game, with only Jordan Henderson's goal standing out at either end.
Tomkins, who was the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night to watch the youth team in action, took heart from his personal performance and vowed the team would come back stronger. "We are all disappointed to lose after a couple of wins. We went to Sunderland full of confidence and credit to them.
""They defended well without creating too much. We didn't create too much either, chances were few and far between but they took the one they did create. That was the difference. We have to start again and not be too downhearted.
"We showed a lot of heart and fight in the second half. We were a new back four and still getting together but I thought we did well. There is a chance for us to bounce back against Manchester City and pick up points."
The 21-year-old knows it will not be easy against City's high-level squad but said the prospect was one to be excited about. "Of course I relish a challenge like that against world-class players. They have spent a lot of money in the team. You have just got to go out there and show what you can do against them.
"We are at home at Upton Park and with home fans behind us hopefully we will get the result. We need hard work this week. We will get the confidence back up in training and see what happens."