WEST Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has quashed rumours that Dean Ashton is about to retire from the game and is hoping the injury-prone striker will play a key role in the near future.
Zola, speaking after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Spurs at Upton Park, said: "As far as I know, he has been doing rehabilitation and I'm happy to have in my team . . . until they tell me any different.
"I'm hopeful."
Ashton is out with a long-term ankle injury, though Zola is hopeful Kieron Dyer will be able to return for Saturday's trip to Blackburn Rovers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article