FORMER Basildon schoolboy James "Tomka" Tomkins' lifelong dream came true when the 19-year-old stepped out for his full home debut at Upton Park on Saturday.

The teenager, who attended Chalvedon School, was drafted into the Hammers' starting line-up after both Jonathan Spector and Matthew Upson were ruled out by injury.

And Tomkins, who made his full debut at Everton on March 22, responded by putting in an assured performance as the Irons beat relegated Derby County 2-1.

Afterwards the youngster, who still lives with his parents in the new town, was delighted to start at the Boleyn Ground for the first time.

"To play in front of the fans at Upton Park is brilliant," said the England Under-19 international, who joined the club as an eight-year-old.

"The fans have got high expectations and today we needed to win it to show them we can still hold for this tenth place or even higher.

"I thought I did ok.

Tomkins' debut at Goodison Park was a rollercoaster affair, with the youngster hitting the crossbar before losing Yakubu for the Toffees' goal.

On Saturday, the centre back was given a slightly easier ride by the Premier League's worst strikeforce, but he knows there is still more work to be done before he establishes himself as an Irons regular.

"There are obviously areas of my game that I have got to improve. I've been talking a lot and learning from the previous game I had at Everton," he admitted.

"I'm just going to keep trying to learn.If I play the next game then I've got to focus on that. If not then don't get too disheartened. I'm going to be patient and just try and perform if I get the chance."

If the chances do not come along for Tomkins next season, the teenager admitted he would be willing to go out on loan in search of further first team football.

"I'm not too sure if I'll get chances next season but fingers crossed I do," he added.

"If there's no room for me then I may go on loan. But I'm not too sure what's around the corner. There might be a few changes next season but I will have to wait and see what happens."