Ayew eyeing starting role after injury return

Fit-again West Ham United star Andre Ayew is anticipating a return to the first XI after a three-month absence.

The Ghanaian signed for the Hammers from Swansea City in August, and after forcing his way into Slaven Bilic's starting set-up for the season’s opener against Chelsea, he picked up a hamstring injury after 35 minutes.

The 26-year-old was effectively condemned to the treatment room, but has since made two substitute appearances upon his comeback last week.

“The injury [return] feels good and I am working hard," Ayew told his club's official website.

"Things are going well and hopefully I can continue like this.

“It is up to the manager [to decide] when I am ready to start a game, but the most important thing is that we continue to work hard and try and win games.

"When the gaffer needs me, I will be ready."

The former Marseille man replaced Pedro Obiang on the hour mark in Sunday's 2-0 reversal to Everton, and reckons the result could have been different had his side been clinical.

“I thought the team played very well in the first half and if we [had] scored, it would have been a completely different game. We have just had three games when the players gave everything," Ayew said.

“We knew the first 20 minutes in the second half would be very difficult because they would press and try and score an early goal which they managed to do.

“We also had our chances and didn't put them in. We need to keep working hard and soon it will come. We are doing well and are playing some great football. We need to try and score some more goals and not concede.

“The manager told me when he brought me on just to play my game and try and get on the scoresheet. It is part of my game to get into goalscoring situations and soon I will get a good chance and put the ball in the net.”

The deputy Ghana skipper is expected to be in action when West Ham host Stoke City on Saturday.