Ex-Academy duo named

West Ham duo James Tomkins and Mark Noble have been named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

The two young Hammers, both of whom graduated from Tony Carr's Academy were selected in the Professional Footballer's Association Championship XI, which is chosen by fellow players and was announced late last night.

Joining defender Tomkins and midfielder Noble were the league's leading goalscorer Rickie Lambert and Reading veteran Ian Harte - although Rob Green, who has been excellent between the stick for the Hammers once again this season was overlooked in favour of Southamton's Kelvin Davis.

Basildon-born Tomkins has made 42 appearances, primarily at centre half, for Sam Allardyce's side this season. His four-goals - scored against Watford, Blackpool, Burnley and most recently, Bristol City - have all come away from home.

Noble has appeared 43 times this season scoring eight goals, all of which have come from the penalty spot bar his most recent - a stunning chip - which came in the 4-0 win at Barnsley earlier this month.

It was the first time either player had been named in a PFA select team - and the first time any West Ham player has been selected since Michael Carrick was named in the First Division (aka Championship) XI back in 2003/04.

PFA Championship select XI

Kelvin Davis (Southampton); Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace), James Tomkins (West Ham United), Curtis Davies (Birmingham City), Ian Harte (Reading), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City), Mark Noble (West Ham United), Matt Phillips (Blackpool), Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Jay Rodriguez (Burnley).