Source: SKY_Sports
Ashton admits season is over
Dean Ashton has set his sights on a return to action in pre-season following his latest ankle operation.[LNB] The West Ham forward has suffered a number of setbacks since picking up an injury in September and he was forced to go under the knife again earlier this week.[LNB]The club have not put a timescale on his recovery but Ashton accepts that he is unlikely to be back before the end of the current campaign.[LNB]He insists the surgery was a success but does not want to take any risks and is looking ahead to next term.[LNB]"I think realistically pre-season is my target," Ashton told the Sunday Mirror.[LNB]"The surgeons are pleased but obviously it's a setback I didn't really want.[LNB]"I need to get over this operation, get myself properly fit and I don't want to rush back before I'm ready.[LNB]"It happened when I just thought I was back, especially after scoring twice in the first game - but then I came down with another complaint with my ankle."[LNB]Ashton has been plagued by ankle problems throughout his career and he admits it is difficult to be sidelined for long periods.[LNB]He said: "Mentally I'm strong enough to get through it but I'm like anybody else when I'm missing football.[LNB]"It's the worst feeling not being able to play."[LNB]
