West Ham striker Dean Ashton helped to convince his old Norwich team-mate Robert Green that his future lies at Upton Park.

Green completed his 2million move on Wednesday after signing a four-year deal with the Hammers. The England goalkeeper had hoped he would be reunited with Ashton in rather more pleasant surroundings than a hospital, but that is where they met on Tuesday after Ashton suffered a broken ankle during an England training session.

"I spoke to Dean on Monday morning when the opportunity of a move to West Ham came up and he had nothing but glowing praise for the club," said Green. "I congratulated him on his England call-up and wished him well. But since then it has been a bit of a disaster for him."