Ashton forced to delay comeback

Ashton joined from Norwich halfway through last season

West Ham striker Dean Ashton may not make his comeback from a broken ankle until February.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury at the start of the season and many believe his absence has contributed to West Ham's poor form this term.

He was planning to return in January but new manager Alan Curbishley says that is unlikely.

"He won't begin serious training until the end of January or early February," he told the Evening Standard.

Ashton arrived at Upton Park from Norwich at the start of the year and made an instant impact, helping the club reach the FA Cup final and finish in the top half of the Premiership.

Meanwhile, full-back Paul Konchesky has denied a rift with Curbishley stemming from their time together at Charlton when the manager played him in midfield.

Konchesky said: "There was never any problem between us other than I wanted to play left-back."