It's all muscle not fat, insists bulked-up West Ham's Ashton as he hits back at his critics

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The 24-year-old said: "A lot has been made of my physique. I've been compared with an over-conditioned racehorse and a lot of people have had a surprising amount to say about the way I look.

Carrying a few more pounds than before? Dean Ashton (centre)

"But I've worked really hard and, if people actually saw me in the flesh, they would realise I'm not that big and I feel as strong - and as quick - as I've ever been.

"There's not a lot of difference between my weight now and what it was when I got injured on England duty at the start of last season, but my physique has changed.

"I've got a lot more muscle and a lot less fat, so my body has changed, but I'm not sure how much other people outside the club are qualified to comment on that."