James Tomkins is targeting a prolonged run in the Capital One Cup in order to force his way into the West Ham United first team.
The 24-year-old captained the Hammers in their 3-2 third-round victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday, but has yet to start a Premier League match this season.
After qualifying for the last 16, Tomkins admitted that further progression in the competition would be good for the club as a whole, and, in particular, those fringe players looking to impress manager Sam Allardyce.
"We think we can do well in this competition this season," Tomkins told the club's official website.
"We've got a good squad here and for the players who played tonight and haven't been involved in too many first team games, it's good fitness for us.
"We're trying to fight for our places in the team and we'll keep going for it. Hopefully we'll have a bit of run in it."
Tomkins, a product of the Upton Park outfit's youth academy, featured 26 times for the Hammers in the Premier League last campaign.
Joe Fish
