It is not just his goalscoring habit. West Ham have also missed Ashton's physical presence, elevated work-rate and ability to bring team-mates into the game.Ashton had received an England squad call-up when he was injured in training in Aug 2006. Now he already has eyes on the international arena again.Speaking before the extent of Emile Heskey's injury at Wigan had filtered south, he said: "Hats off to Emile. He deserves his place in the team but I want to fight for that place. We play a similar game and I want to do that."
The former Crewe and Norwich striker also praised sports psychologist Roberto Forzoni, who helped West Ham through the crucial run-in last season."I have always liked the way he does things as he is not too much in your face. I speak to him when I need to. He's a good man to have around the place," he said.Among Forzoni's mind games with the players are card tricks and Middlesbrough were certainly bamboozled as the home side suddenly sprung a flush hand just when it was least expected.