The England hopeful missed the 1-1 draw at Manchester City because of a back problem. However, Ashton, 24, has reported no more ill effects following treatment at the east London club and is confident he will available for the visit of Liverpool next Wednesday night.

"I got a dead leg off the keeper in the FA Cup game against City, and from the collision with him I ended up having a slight back problem as well," revealed Ashton, signed from Norwich City for £7.25million during January 2006.

"The muscles were still in spasm on Friday so I wasn't able to travel to Manchester for the league game, but after having worked with our back specialist here over the weekend I feel fine."

Ashton, who has battled back from a broken ankle suffered on the eve of his full England debut 18 months ago, added : "I returned to full training yesterday and felt good over the last two days and so I will definitely be available for contention against Liverpool."

Ashton's imminent return will be a welcome boost for Alan Curbishley. The Hammers manager has been cautious with Ashton, who was forced to miss six weeks earlier in the season with a knee injury.

The former Crewe Alexandra trainee remains the club's leading scorer this season with half a dozen goals from his 20 appearances, and looks set to link up again with rejuvenated Carlton Cole against the Reds.