Dyer set for Hammers return

England international could play against Barnsley

Last updated: 2nd January 2009

Dyer set for Hammers return

Dyer: Set to return

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West Ham midfielder Kieron Dyer could make his long-awaited return in the FA Cup clash against Barnsley on Saturday.

The England international has impressed boss Gianfranco Zola in training this week and is poised to be included in the squad for the game.

It will mark a welcome return to action following more than a season on the sidelines recovering from a broken leg suffered in a Carling Cup tie at Bristol Rovers in August 2007.

His return was then delayed earlier this season by a stress fracture, meaning he has made just three appearances for West Ham since completing a £6million move from Newcastle.

Zola said: "He's focused and he's very excited to play and we will try to get him back because he's an important player. I've seen him training, he's trying very hard and he's got a lot of qualities.

Big injury

"I know it's been a big injury for him and he's been working well in the last few weeks. I know it's frustrating because he's training, training, training and he would like to play.

"After such a long time out it would be difficult for him to be involved from the beginning."

Zola won the FA Cup twice as a player with Chelsea and he would love to emulate that success as a manager.

"Of course the league is very important but from experience I know how important the FA Cup is here for the supporters, for the club, for the players, so we want to do well in the cup as well," said Zola.

Focused

"For me the FA Cup is very important and winning my first FA Cup with Chelsea was one of the best things to ever happen to me so I know it is so important and we're going to be focused on it.

"The FA Cup can be strange. You might find yourself in the final. We are confident and we want to be there so we're going to try very hard."

Defender James Tomkins is set to play against Barnsley after being recalled from a successful loan spell with Derby.

"I am glad to be back. The manager wanted me back and I want to try and impress him. My aim is to get back in the team," said Tomkins.

"Derby wanted me for another month but West Ham asked for me to come back. West Ham tried to watch me as much as they could while I was there, so hopefully the manager would have been pleased with what I did."