West Ham captain Mark Noble admits James Tomkins was a big loss when he left for Crystal Palace.

The 27-year-old defender, who progressed through the academy into the first team at West Ham, left the east London club this summer to join the Eagles in a £10m deal.

Speaking to the West Ham website, Noble said: "It will feel very strange having played alongside James for so many years.

"I say playing, but looking after him for so many years.

"I got him out of a number of situations on the pitch, but I would like to put him in trouble on Saturday.

"He is a great lad and we get on so well. But you have to accept these things and we need to get the win."