James Tomkins, a £10m signing from West Ham, is optimistic he will be fit for the start of the new season with Crystal Palace.

Te 27 year old was injured in his first game for Palace against Philadelphia Union earlier this month and has been unable to train fully since.

"I am pushing for the start of the season," he said. "It is one of those injuries that you take day by day, as cliché as it sounds. It can settle down quickly or it could take a little longer. But I am optimistic about making the first game.

"It might take a couple of weeks yet, I am not too sure. But I am doing everything I can to help it settle down as quickly as it can."

Tomkins is able to build up his fitness but admits it is frustrating to get an injury after joining his new club.

"I can work on my fitness so that will not be a problem," he said. "It is just that match practice I am struggling with at the minute. Obviously I would like a little bit more game time.

"I have only played 45 minutes in pre-season, which is not ideal. There is a game against Valencia and I am optimistic I can play some part of that. It is case of checking it every day."