Gianfranco Zola insists Kieron Dyer, despite the Hammers current struggles, will not be rushed back into first-team action.

The midfielder has been sidelined since September and, in fact, the former Newcastle man has started just four games for West Ham since moving to the capital in August 2007.

"He's an important player and he's a quality player. It's good to have him back available," Zola said.

"When Kieron Dyer is fit he can bring something different but what we don't want right now is more setbacks.

"I don't want to put pressure on him. He's been out for a long time. I'm seeing him very positive, he's bright and he just needs to train a lot and be able to play to his standard for a long period.

"I don't think he will start (against Burnley) but I have yet to make a decision."

Zola has also sought to play down any talk of Dyer going to the World Cup with England.

"That's (the World Cup) still a long way off," he added.

"I think he should take it easy. The most important thing for Kieron is to remain fit as long as possible so he can get his form back, and then everything else will come later."