Dyer ready for Hammers' run-in

01 April 2009 12:30
Injury-plagued midfielder Kieron Dyer insists he is back to full fitness and ready to play a part in West Ham's European push. The Hammers ace has recently recovered from a spell on the sidelines with a calf problem. He was used as a late substitute by Gianfranco Zola during West Ham's 1-1 draw at Blackburn last time out and came through an hour of a friendly contest with Chelsea last week. The 30-year-old England midfielder is adamant he is now ready to become a first-team regular once again and believes his injury nightmare can finally be laid to rest. "The friendly game against Chelsea in particular was very pleasing, because I played 60 minutes and didn't feel any problems afterwards. I had no aches or pains at all, which was a great sign for me," Dyer told the club's official website. "Before, after games, I would be throwing ice on my shins because they would be throbbing, but now for the first time, that didn't happen and it feels good. "When I came back earlier in the year (against Barnsley in the FA Cup) I could hardly move for the next couple of days, but I didn't get that this time around. "I feel so much better now. In the Chelsea game I did a lot of running and it's the fittest I have felt for a long time. It showed my legs are, finally after what has been a very long lay-off, getting used to the workload again." Dyer accepts he may be restricted to a cameo role in the Hammers' pursuit of a top-seven finish this season, but has already set his sights on having a major impact next term. "These things happen in football and I honestly believe I can bring some more pace to the side," he added. "If I can get a few more run-outs before the end of the season, then next season will hopefully be the one were everyone will see the real me." The news that Dyer is closing in on full fitness has come as a welcome boost to Zola during a period of mixed fortunes on the injury front. Carlton Cole, who suffered a groin strain while on England duty against Slovakia on Saturday, could be set to miss the rest of the season, but requires further tests on his knock. On a more positive note, exciting playmaker Savio came through a recent run-out for Germany's U20 side unscathed and has returned to full training following his return to Upton Park.

Source: Eurosport