West Ham United have been handed a major boost as Andy Carroll returned to training on Wednesday. 

The Hammers record signing has not featured this season due to a ankle injury but has been been given the all clear to continue his rehabilitation in London by specialists in Holland and Belgium. 

West Ham have struggled without the front man this season and currently sit 17th in the Premier League table. 

The former Newcastle striker's return can't come quick enough for Sam Allardyce with the Irons just three points above the relegation. 

Carroll told his club's official website: "I am so happy to be back here at the training ground around all the lads.

"You don't realise how much you miss all the banter and other stuff until you are away from it, so it's great to be here again.

"I flew back a few times during my treatment to watch matches and catch up with my family, team-mates and friends, but now I'm back for good.

"It has been a long, hard process but now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It felt great to be out on the pitch jogging and kicking a ball in the open air, even if it was a bit cold!

"It's been really hard watching the games while I've been out. We haven't picked up the results we have deserved, so I can't wait to get out there again and start helping the team to win some games."