INJURY-plagued West Ham winger Julien Faubert is set to return to first team action in the Irons Premier League clash with Derby County on April 19.

The £6.2million summer signing from Bordeaux has made just two starts and four substitute appearances for the Hammers since his arrival.

The France international was initially sidelined for six months after rupturing his Achilles tendon in a pre-season friendly against Sigma Oloumoc in Austria.

Having made his debut in the 2-1 home win over Fulham on January 12, Faubert was then struck down with a calf problem and has not played since limping out of the 4-0 home defeat to Chelsea on March 1.

However, the 24-year-old wideman made a successful comeback on Wednesday evening, completing 45 minutes in the FA Premier Reserve League South win over Derby County's second-string at Bishop's Stortford FC.

Saturday's trip to Bolton Wanderers will come too soon for Faubert, but the pace merchant nicknamed "The High Speed Train" is expected to be in contention for the visit of The Rams the following weekend.