Ashton targets swift return
19 Aug 2008 - 09:11:35
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton is confident of bouncing back from his latest injury scare in time to feature against Manchester City on Sunday.
The 24-year-old hitman started the new season in impressive fashion after finding the net twice in last weekend's 2-1 opening day win over Wigan Athletic.
However, Ashton was forced off late in the second half with a leg problem and was omitted from the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against Czech Republic while awaiting the results of scans.
But after been given the all-clear to resume training, the injury-plagued striker is hopeful of featuring in Sunday's trip to the City of Manchester Stadium.
"It was just cramp," he told the club's official website. "I should be training with the team on Tuesday.
"I am really glad that is not a bad injury. I am looking forward to joining in training tomorrow and getting on with playing.
"Overall, I am really pleased with how pre-season has gone for me and then to get off to a good start in the first game - especially with two goals.
"Hopefully, I can keep that going on Sunday."