Ashton desperate to impress
31 May 2008 - 09:36:40
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton is desperate to make up for lost time as he prepares to make his debut for England in Trinidad & Tobago.
The 24-year-old is poised to be handed a first cap by coach Fabio Capello, having rebuilt his career after suffering a serious ankle injury while training for a friendly against Greece almost two years ago.
Ashton commented: "It is gutting to think two years have gone by since then.
"You can't really sum it up. It's gone very quickly and I missed out on a whole year, when perhaps I could have played well against Greece and been in the squad from then on.
"I feel I have a point to prove and obviously I'll be working as hard as anyone to get my place.
"In the latter part of the season, with my goals and the way I played, I've shown that is all behind me and I'm back to the player I was, maybe better with the mental side of it.
"You have to be strong mentally to get back to this position. If I get my chance I'll be strong enough to take it."