Grant upbeat over O'Neil

Grant: Upset to lose such a valuable player ahead of a huge game against Chelsea

Avram Grant is hopeful that Gary O'Neil can overcome his ankle injury to return in a few months time.

The Hammers boss admitted that while the injury came as a blow to the club, he feels O'Neil has the strength of character to make a full recovery.

The 27-year-old was injured in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday following a challenge from Nigel Reo-Coker and has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

While the loss of the experienced midfielder is a blow ahead of crucial games as the Hammers battle for survival, Grant preferred to remain upbeat about the situation.

"The latest is that he has a bad injury but hopefully he can be back after a few months," he said.

"You never know with these injuries but we are very positive about him.

"He is very strong character, good player, he did a lot for us in a very short period of time.

"Also off the pitch he is a top professional person and even when he played last week he was very good. I wish him all the best."