DANNY Gabbidon still has no idea when he will be fit enough to return from a long-term abdominal injury.

West Ham United's Wales international defender has not played for the first-team since his late mistake led to the Irons' 2-1 Carling Cup quarter-final defeat to Everton last December.

Since then, the 29-year-old has endured a frustrating series of problems with his stomach, but he is hopeful of finally pulling on an Irons' shirt in the not-too-distant future.

"I am taking it day-by-day, week-by-week," the 2005/06 Hammer of the Year told West Ham's official matchday programme.

"Obviously I won't be happy until I'm back playing but I am pleased with how things are going for me.

"I am not giving any specific targets as to when I will be back.

"It has been tough and I still have a bit to go, but I am certainly 100 per cent confident of getting back sooner rather than later.

"I am not that far away and the work I am doing has stepped up to where I can do some running now, so it is nice for me to have new challenges like this and see the progress being made."

Despite his injury problems, Gabbidon has been a regular visitor to West Ham's Chadwell Heath training ground, where he has worked closely with the club's medical staff.

And the Cwmbran-born player has also spoken with new manager Gianfranco Zola over his long-term future at Upton Park.

"The boss and Steve Clarke have both talked to me and know what is going on and where I am at," added the centre-back.

"It's good that they haven't forgotten about me. They have said I have to continue to be patient.

"It's good to know what they think, as when you have been out injured a long time and a new manager comes in, he has other things to concentrate on, like the players who are fit to play every week.

"But we have had a chat and it has made me feel confident and want to work even harder so I can get back and prove myself to him."