West Ham forward eager to start as Curbs denies rift rumour
Match-winner Dean Ashton today insisted he is ready to start for West Ham after suffering a nightmare 18 months with injury.
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The former Norwich striker came off the bench to score the only goal at Blackburn yesterday after returning to fitness following five weeks out with a knee complaint.
Ashton missed most of last season with a broken ankle sustained while training with England and he said: "To be on the bench is very frustrating. I've missed enough football over the last year and a half and now I want to be playing."
Dean's delight: Ashton celebrates his winning goal
Boss Alan Curbishley insists there is no rift with Ashton, although he admits the pair have discussed the situation.
He said: "We've a big week coming up with Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton and a league match against them as well.
"I felt it was right to start against Blackburn with the team we did but it could be a bit different on Wednesday. "We have three games in six days and, as Scott Parker is finding out, it's difficult to get fit in the first team.
"I had a good chat with Dean. He was out for five weeks, played one practice match and a reserve game but he looked very sharp when he came on. He's fit to start now and I'm sure he will last 90 minutes. There's no rift here."
