West Ham boss David Moyes is counting on Andy Carroll's return from injury.

The Mirror says West Ham are clinging to a slim hope Carroll will be back before the end of the season.

The 29-year-old striker was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign last month, after suffering a hairline fracture of his ankle.

The setback for luckless Carroll wrecked a potential move to Chelsea, with the defending Premier League champions instead switching their attentions to Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.

Carroll hasn't played since the Hammers' Premier League draw at Spurs on January 4, but there is a belief the targetman - who has since had an operation - could be back for the final two games of the season.