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.