Ashton and Ljungberg return for Hammers

Dean Ashton and Freddie Ljungberg returned to the West Ham starting side for the first time since October in tonight’s Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton.

Ashton, who came off the bench to score the winner in Sunday’s 1-0 league win over Blackburn, replaced the injured Matthew Etherington as the Hammers switched to two up front.

Ljungberg came in for the cup-tied Nolberto Solano while Robert Green was preferred in goal to Richard Wright, who had started West Ham’s previous Carling Cup ties this season.

Everton, unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions, made just one change from their 3-0 win over Fulham with Phil Jagielka replacing injured full-back Leighton Baines.

West Ham: Green, Neill, McCartney, Gabbidon, Upson, Ljungberg, Parker, Mullins, Boa Morte, Cole, Ashton.

Subs: Wright, Pantsil, Noble, Spector, Reid.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Osman, Arteta, Cahill, Carsley, Pienaar, Yakubu.

Subs: Wessels, Hibbert, Johnson, Gravesen, Anichebe.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)