Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has claimed that Andy Carroll can return from his latest injury setback to be better than ever.

Carroll's difficult stay at Upton Park hit another low point this week after being ruled out for up to four months with an ankle injury, but Ashton has backed the England international to prove his worth to the club when he makes a full recovery.

"To be out for four months is devastating. These big injuries cannot be rushed and that is what is so hard for Andy," Ashton told members of the media. "It is terrible as Andy has shown in a lot of his performances what an influence he has on the team and how a big a player he can be for West Ham.

"I am sure Andy will be desperate and determined to return and prove to everyone that he is a top player."

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has suggested that the club would not have signed Carroll had they known about some of his injury concerns.