After making only his third league start in two-and-a-half years on Tuesday night, to see Kieron Dyer forced to withdraw after 20 minutes was heartbreaking to see

After making only his third league start in two-and-a-half years on Tuesday night, to see Kieron Dyer forced to withdraw after 20 minutes was heartbreaking to see.

It has been a turbulent time for the Ipswich-born England international and after years of injury turmoil, this latest setback is another blow not only to him, but the club he plays for.

"Unfortunately he felt a tightening of his hamstring," assistant manager Steve Clarkes aid after the game at the Reebok, which West Ham lost 3-1.

"He came off and I just spoke to him. He said it wasn't a tear, it's another small pull.

"To be honest I'm just disappointed for the player.

"He's worked ever so hard to get himself in a position where he could start a game.

"He gives us something extra. He gives us experience, he's quick and he had one great run where he got through. That shows what Kieron Dyer can give to us.

"He's had some terrible knocks over the last couple of years.

"Hopefully he'll get himself right, he'll come back and next time, stay in the team longer."

Dyer is unlikely to have recovered in time for the visit of Chelsea this Sunday, but the club believe that England international centre-half Matt Upson could be.