Dean looking forward

Dean Ashton says he is not bitter despite seeing his career cruelly cut short by injury.

In his first television interview since retiring the former West Ham talked frankly with Sky Sports News' Peter Staunton about the injury, the operations and the moment he knew he'd never play again.

Ashton picked up an ankle injury training with England and although his rehabilitation was almost complete, an innocuous jog put paid to any chance he had of continuing a promising career.

There has been talk of legal action against Shaun Wright-Phillips, who made the tackle, but rather than look back with any regret or resentment, the 26-year old says he is only concerned to the future.

There's no point in me moping around and feeling sorry for myself, worrying what might have been and how good I could've been," he said.

"I've just got to think 'what a fantastic career I've had and how privileged I was to have it. I've just got to look ahead to all the great things I can possibly do."

Click on the video to see the full-length video in which Ashton also talks openly about...

COACHING - and how it might be something he turns to now

ENGLAND - how proud he is of his one cap for his country

CUP FINAL - what it meant to play and score in the 2006 loss to Liverpool

THE PFA - how good their support has been since his retirement