Curbs - Deano can do it

Ashton: Fabio's answer?

Alan Curbishley believes Dean Ashton could be the answer to England's centre-forward options.

The West Ham boss has urged his powerful striker to keep "plugging away" and his prayers of more England chances will soon be answered.

The 24-year-old made an instant impact in the Premier League opening win with a brace against Wigan, but then he limped off with a calf strain.

That injury kept him out of contention for the England friendly against the Czech Republic, which ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw, as Fabio Capello started with Jermain Defoe up front before bringing on Emile Heskey.

"If he (Capello) is going to play with a lone striker and (Wayne) Rooney coming from deep, flooding the midfield, then perhaps he will take a look at Dean," the Hammers boss said.

Impress

"If he is going to play with one and wants someone to hold the ball up, bring others into the game and then take a chance when it is presented, then I do think if a ball drops to Deano in the penalty box, something is going to happen.

"Deano started off really well against Wigan and now has another game to impress, like so many players.

"Rob Green is another one here who must come into Capello's thinking.

"All they can do is to keep plugging away."

West Ham will be hoping to make it two wins in two when they take on Manchester City on Bank Holiday Sunday.