West Ham United defender James Tomkins has admitted that competing at London 2012 for Team GB damaged his chances of playing for the Hammers this season.
The 23-year-old, who made just two appearances under Stuart Pearce at the Olympics, has lost his place behind James Collins and Winston Reid at Upton Park.
"It is always hard of course," said Tomkins. "I wanted to represent Great Britain and the manager gave me the chance.
"I went there expecting to play more than I did in the end. Obviously I wasted a lot of time and then Ginge (Collins) and Reidy played a lot together in pre-season. It was disappointing for me but I suppose that is what football is like."
Tomkins has only started one Premier League game for Sam Allardyce this season.
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Danielle Joynson
