Ashton set to start for Hammers

Dean Ashton will finally start for the first time under West Ham manager Alan Curbishley in the tricky Carling Cup second round tie away to League One Bristol Rovers tomorrow night.

The £7.25m striker, who broke an ankle training with England a year ago, has only been used as a substitute so far in his comeback this season, but Curbishley feels the time is right to give him a full 90 minutes.

New signings Freddie Ljungberg (ankle), Julian Faubert (Achilles) and Scott Parker (knee) are still out and Craig Bellamy must prove his fitness after straining a groin muscle in the 1-1 draw with Wigan.

But Curbishley, aware of previous West Ham shock defeats in this competition, has promised to field a strong side.

Team (from): Green; Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, Gabbidon, McCartney, Spector, Bowyer, Mullins, Noble, Dyer, Etherington, Boa Morte, Ashton, Bellamy, Zamora, Bellamy, Collins, Walker (gk).