Dyer has been plagued with injuries throughout his career

Former England midfielder Kieron Dyer is nearing a first-team return for West Ham after being out with a hamstring injury since the end of September.

Dyer, 30, scored twice for the reserves in Tuesday's win over Stoke and could feature against Burnley on Saturday.

"It went really well. I looked quite sharp so hopefully it gives the manager a poser," he told the club's website.

Dyer has only started four games for West Ham since signing for £6m from Newcastle in August 2007.

Just 10 days after making his debut, the former Ipswich player was stretchered off with a broken leg in the Carling Cup match at Bristol Rovers.

Dyer was out for 17 months, and later suffered a further stress fracture.

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There were fears for his career, but West Ham say Dyer has continued to train hard in an effort to get back into the first team.

He starred in the 5-2 reserve team win over Stoke at Bishop's Stortford on Tuesday, watched by Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola and assistant Steve Clarke.

His return is a boost for Zola, whose side are lurking immediately above the relegation zone with 11 points from 13 matches.

"The manager needs as many fit and experienced players as possible and I'm just glad I can be back because we need to push up that table," said Dyer.

Dyer has been capped 30 times by England and was in the national squad for both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.

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