CHARLIE Woods, who has watched Kieron Dyer's career blossom from schoolboy level at Portman Road, is optimistic that the 28-year-old can overcome his latest injury set back.

By Elvin King

CHARLIE Woods, who has watched Kieron Dyer's career blossom from schoolboy level at Portman Road, is optimistic that the 28-year-old can overcome his latest injury set back.

The England midfielder who was born a goal kick away from Portman Road, broke his lower right leg in two places playing for his new club West Ham last night.

He could be out for the season and it is the latest in a succession of injury blows for the player who moved from Ipswich to Newcastle where Woods was also an official.

Now back with the Blues as advisor to manager Jim Magilton, Woods said today: “Last night's injury is very unfortunate for Kieron, very unfortunate to West Ham and very unfortunate to England.”

I watched him play as a substitute for his country against Germany last week and the only thing missing was a goal.

“I was very optimistic about his future and he looked to be back at his sharpest.

“Some players get over these injuries quicker than others, but it is a huge blow in what was a new phase of his career.

“I was watching Peterborough play West Brom with Jim Magilton last night when Sir Bobby Robson rang me with the news and we were both devastated.

“Kieron is a local lad made good and I hope he is strong enough to come through this latest set back.”

Ipswich manager Magilton also expressed his distress at Dyer's latest injury blow saying: “Mentally having a succession of injuries takes its toll.

“The lad must be in a very dark place at the moment but hopefully he can come through this and then carry on his career.

“We wish him well and hope that he makes a full recovery.”