Alan Curbishley's Dean Ashton boost

Alan Curbishley has finally had some good news, with Dean Ashton now back in the squad for West Ham ahead of Newcastle's visit tomorrow.

The striker missed the 2-1 win over Derby due to tonsillitis but has now been cleared to play.

But the West Ham manager has problems in defence with Anton Ferdinand, Matthew Upson and Jonathan Spector still ruled out by injury.

Curbishley asked for realism after the booing by fans following the win over Derby and said today: "It would be much better if the fans got behind the team for these last few games.

"Their support helped keep us up last season and we really need it again tomorrow.

"Some of the criticism is that the play isn't attractive enough. I would just say that no one tells the players not to go out and pass the ball."