Ashton signs long-term contract

West Ham striker Dean Ashton has pledged his future to the club by signing a new five-year deal.

The 24-year-old, who had been linked with Manchester United, Portsmouth and Newcastle won his first England cap in the friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.

"I said all along I wanted to sign, I feel I have still got a lot the club and the fans," the former Norwich striker told the club website.

"I am really happy that I have signed, now I can look forward to next season."

Ashton, who scored 11 goals last season, joined West Ham from Norwich for £7.25m in January 2006 and helped the club to the FA Cup final, where they lost on penalties to Liverpool.

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His performances that season earned him an England call-up for the friendly with Greece in August 2006.

But he broke his ankle in training for that game and missed the whole of the 2006-07 season, and also suffered injuries in the 2007-08 season.

"I didn't play as many games as I wish I could and obviously I missed the season before," he said.

"I am really excited about next season. I feel I can only get better so I am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to the future.

"I think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club have managed to agree with me on a new deal.

"We are really looking to the future."

Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the club to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League."

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