West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola refuses to accept Dean Ashton's career is over.

The 25-year-old is battling to recover full fitness from an ankle problem, the origins of which stem back to an injury while on England duty after his appearance in the 2006 FA Cup final.

Reports have suggested the former Norwich striker, signed for £7million in January 2006, was set to retire, and seek compensation from the Football Association.

Zola said: "Until someone tells me he is not going to make it, I am still confident he is going to come back.

"For the boy and for us we hope he will make it. I can't say more than that.

"Dean is working his way back on his own and with his own physio. I don't know when I will hear anything."