Source: Eurosport
Ashton back on the right track
West Ham striker Dean Ashton is ready to step up his rehabilitation work in the next few weeks as he battles back from ankle surgery.The 25-year-old has been able to start jogging on a treadmill and hopes to begin running outside early next month but will not return to action until the pre-season.The England international has undertaken double fitness sessions as part of his regular schedule while keeping a close eye on the progress of the Hammers."It's a light at the end of the tunnel point for me," Ashton said."If you think about it, running forms a large part of training and playing for a footballer and to get to this stage again now is a real step up for me."The ultimate aim is to get back running and feel completely comfortable doing this, so I do everything one step at a time. It is good to have this as part of my programme now, though, and I will continue to work hard to take it further."I want to come back when everything is right, not return prematurely and end up getting another injury, because all the hard work will be for nothing. If it means continuing to be patient and let things take as long as they need to, then that's what I will do."West Ham's medical team are keen that Ashton makes the right progress at the right time."The manager and the staff here have all been keeping an eye on me and watching my progress closely," added Ashton."There is no easy way back from an injury that keeps you out for a long while, but as long as I know I am working my hardest and keep taking steps forward, then I know it is all heading the right way."Ashton is delighted that Carlton Cole, Robert Green and Matthew Upson have been recognised at international level and that Gianfranco Zola's side have progressed up the table."I think we are doing very well," he added."Considering we have had a few injuries of late, the lads who have come in have added to the team's good form and it's great to see the boys getting the results."I am also pleased to see the boys playing for England. Matty, Greeny and Coley have all been playing really well and deserve to be in the squad. Coley has been on top form and has done well and I am sure, when he gets it, he will take his chance again."[LNB]
