Kieron Dyer keen to prove his worth to West Ham

It has led to criticism of him from West Ham's finance director Nick Igoe in the latest set of club accounts, published last week, while joint chairman David Sullivan suggested it would be better for the former England player to retire rather than continue to drain club resources.

But Dyer was adamant his injury problems are not his fault.

He said: "I keep saying people forget I had probably a worse leg break than Aaron Ramsey. I've had four operations to try and get it right. I've given everything I can to get fit for this club but it's not enough for some people.

"At end of the day if you buy a football club, you can say what you want and do what you want. Because they own it, they are entitled to their opinion.

"All I can do is get my head down. I've got the backing of the manager and hopefully I can change some other people's minds."

Dyer's return to action has boosted Gianfranco Zola's options, although he looked off the pace for most of his 43 minute run-out against Bolton. He will get a reserve team game under his belt this week and should be involved in the season's run-in as the Irons battle relegation.

West Ham face tough trips to Chelsea and Arsenal in their next two Premier League games, but Dyer believes it will be the Irons remaining home games that will be crucial to their survival.

He said: "The next two games won't have a bearing on whether we stay in the league or not. I still believe we do well in our home games and possibly Fulham away. If we do well there we will stay in the league."