Dean Ashton is delighted that West Ham United Football Club have appointed Gianfranco Zola as manager, although injury means he will not feature for the Italian for up to four weeks.

The England international injured an ankle in training on Monday, meaning he faces yet another spell on the sidelines and he will have to take his time to impress Alan Curbishley’s successor.

"Unfortunately I've picked up another injury," Ashton told The Sun. "I sprained my ankle in training on Monday and I'm looking at spending the next three to four weeks on the sidelines.

"I just went over on it. It happens to a lot of players. It's not too serious but it will take a few weeks to heal properly. I'm looking at about three weeks and then it's the international break.

"(Zola’s appointment is) definitely great for me as a striker. I can learn a lot from him. He is a nice guy - he's come in and has been really good with the players so far."