Curbs: no Ashton problem

Alan Curbishley has admitted holding clear the air talks with Dean Ashton; but rejected rumours that the pair have had a rift regarding Ashton's failure to get a starting place for West Ham. Ashton scored the winning goal at the weekend for the Hammers against Blackburn.

"I had a little chat with Dean about the situation," Curbishley told The Mirror.

"I have to do what's best for the team, not the individual. He's been out for five weeks and in that time has had one practice and one reserve match.

"There's no rift between us, despite what people might say. We have to see whether or not Dean can last 90 minutes."