Curbs hopeful over strike ace

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is confident two-goal striker Dean Ashton's injury will only turn out to be cramp.

The Hammers star was forced off with a leg problem against Wigan at Upton Park in the 2-1 win after hitting a brace, but Curbishley is hoping for the best when the problem is fully assessed by his medical team.

He said: "We've just got to hope it's only cramp. With Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer still out it's the last thing we need from our point of view - to see Deano out as well."

Ashton was not named in the England squad to face the Czech Republic at Wembley on Wednesday because of the injury.