WEST Ham star Kieron Dyer's comeback from a double leg fracture has been scuppered by a shin problem.

The England forward had been making good progress from the compound fracture he suffered in the Carling Cup second round win over Bristol Rovers on August 28 last year.

However, Irons manager Alan Curbishley has revealed that the 28-year-old's return has been delayed after the £6million summer signing from Newcastle suffered complications surrounding the pin inserted into his shin to stabilise his broken right leg.

"Dyer is suffering. He's actually running and doing ok but the problem is that where they've inserted the pin for the fracture, that's causing some irritation," explained Curbishley.

"It's not the actual fracture. He's overcome that bit."

Dyer, who has endured an injury-blighted career with Ipswich, Newcastle, England and now West Ham, has made just three appearances for the Hammers this season.