The England hopeful missed the 1-1 draw at Manchester City because
of a back problem. However, Ashton, 24, has reported no more ill effects following treatment at the east London club and is
confident he will be available for the visit of Liverpool next Wednesday night.
"I got a dead leg of the keeper in the FA Cup game against City, and from the collision with
him I ended up having a slight back problem as well," revealed Ashton, signed from Norwich City for 7.25 million pounds during
January 2006.
"The muscles were still in spasm on Friday so I wasn't able to travel to Manchester for the
league game, but after having worked with our back specialist here over the weekend I feel fine."
Ashton, who has battled back from a broken ankle suffered on the eve of his full England debut
18 months ago, added: "I returned to full training yesterday and felt good over the last two days and so I will definitely
be available for contention against Liverpool."
Ashton's imminent return will be a welcome boost for Alan Curbishley. The Hammers manager
has been cautious with Ashton, who was forced to miss six weeks earlier in the season with a knee injury.
The former Crewe Alexandra trainee remains the club's leading scorer this season with half
a dozen goals from his 20 appearances, and looks set to link up again with rejuvenated Carlton Cole against the Reds.
