Ashton backed for England call

Neill tips striker for regular call-ups

Last updated: 15th August 2008

dean ashton west ham

Ashton: Aiming for 20 goals

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Lucas Neill believes West Ham team-mate Dean Ashton can become an England regular this season.

Ashton broke his ankle during an England training session in 2006 and only made his international debut against Trinidad & Tobago in May.

Neill has noticed an improvement in Ashton since he was selected by Fabio Capello and is backing the striker to earn more call-ups if he can stay fit.

The Australian defender feels that Ashton has the quality and determination to enjoy his best ever season for West Ham.

"I think getting into the England squad was a massive boost to Dean's confidence. It's seen him go on to another level," said Neill.

"He's got that ability and looks so natural. I see good things for him this year - regular England call-ups.

"I think he senses there is a real chance for him to get into the England team. He wants to reach 20 goals this year.

"That's another big thing for him because he spent so long on the sidelines."

Compete

West Ham just finished in the top half of the Premier League last season despite a number of injuries to key players, and Neill insists the new campaign will provide a better indication of the team's potential.

He explained: "Tenth was probably more than we deserved. But this season you will probably see the West Ham everyone wanted to see last term.

"Finishing in the top six is achievable but we're going to focus on the top eight and hope we're there or thereabouts.

"The squad - on paper - can compete with the teams around us trying to obtain fourth, fifth or sixth spot.

"It's important we get off to a good start and hope that momentum can carry us through."