Dean Ashton ups the pace as he jogs down road to recovery

Dean Ashton is convinced he is finally making progress in his battle to bring an end to his seven-month injury nightmare.

The 25-year-old striker has already written off this season after suffering a serious ankle injury last September, but has taken a major step forward in his rehabilitation by starting jogging for the first time since he underwent a second operation on the problem last February.

Ashton said: "It's a light at the end of the tunnel point for me. If you think about it, running forms a large part of training and playing for a footballer and to get to this stage again is a real step up for me."

Already sidelined when Gianfranco Zola arrived at Upton Park, Ashton has been a frustrated bystander while the manager has guided his side to eighth in the League.

But the forward is adamant he will not attempt to hurry his return in a bid to force his way into the manager's plans.

He added: "I want to come back when everything is right, not return prematurely and end up getting another injury, because all the hard work will be for nothing.

"If it means continuing to be patient and let things take as long as they need to, then that's what I will do. The manager and the staff here have all been keeping an eye on me and watching my progress closely.

"As long as I know I am working my hardest and keep taking steps forward, then I know it is all heading the right way."

During his lay-off, the forward has seen Carlton Cole emerge as the Hammers' No1 striker and replace Ashton as one of the fringe candidates for a place in Fabio Capello's England line-up.

Cole will hope to gain his second cap against Slovakia this weekend and Ashton said: "He has been on top form and has done well and I am sure, when he gets it, he will take his chance again."