Injured Ashton close to recovery

Ashton has been out of action for five months

West Ham striker Dean Ashton is close to making a full recovery from the broken ankle which has kept him out since he suffered the injury in August.

The 23-year-old should resume full training in the next few weeks.

Ashton told the club's website: "The ankle is feeling good. I have been running and kicking a ball, which has been fantastic.

"Everything is on schedule. I'm feeling very positive and I can see I am getting closer to reaching my goal."

606 DEBATE: Can Ashton keep West Ham up?

Ashton broke his ankle during an England training session last year and has not played since.

His return to full fitness will be a massive boost to West Ham, who are languishing two places off the bottom of the Premiership.