West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has revealed that although he had a shorter summer holiday than his Hammers teammates he is as ready as ever for the new Barclays Premier League.

Ashton was a revelation last season at Upton Park and was a consistent performer. His good exhibition has also impressed England coach Fabio Capello and the 24-year now says that he is ready to prove himself again in 2008-2009.

He told the Hammer’s official website: “Because I started summer later I haven’t had as big a rest as everyone else. The experience with England was worth it though as it is one of my aims to feature regularly in the international arena.

“It is nice to get back to the club because everything is fresh and new. No one enjoys the first day though because you feel so unfit. You feel stiff… and it is harder to train, but once you go through a few double sessions with the coaches that all disappears. Pre-season is tough, but you have to get through it.”