DEAN ASHTON has said sorry to Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer for the aerial challenge which is threatening to end the Aussie's World Cup dream, writes PAUL FRASER.

Schwarzer underwent surgery on a fractured cheekbone at a Darlington hospital yesterday after feeling the full force of a stray Ashton elbow in the face in Sunday's FA cup semi-final.

The clash left the keeper requiring treatment on the Villa Park turf and, after the pain showed no signs of relenting, he was replaced by young deputy Brad Jones minutes before half-time.

Now, with his season in tatters and a potential appearance in a UEFA Cup final in serious doubt, Schwarzer also fears an appearance in Australia's first World Cup finals since 1970 is in danger.

West Ham striker Ashton, who could yet go to Germany with England, said: "It was one of those things. I went up trying to score a goal, looking at the ball, and unfortunately I caught him. These things happen.

"I don't put any blame on myself. If it happened to me, I would take it. It is very sad to see that he has been injured.

"I think he may have cracked his cheekbone. I had a similar injury this season so I know what it is like. It is not nice. I apologise for that. There was no malice intended."

Barry Silkman, Schwarzer's representative, was left fuming by Ashton's failure to acknowledge the Australian after the game.

"His challenge at best was very rash, but afterwards he was completely unprofessional," Silkman said.

"He made no effort to even come and see Mark or speak to him, despite knowing what had happened.

"I think it is a disgrace the way he has behaved and thoroughly unprofessional.

"I cannot believe that he has not had the decency to even see what he has caused.

"Having played professional football for a number of years, longer than Dean Ashton, you know the right thing to do and it was always the case that you checked on a fellow pro. To not do so is just wrong."

"It is a concern obviously as we do think it is broken.

"But we just have to wait and see what the test results are and what the doctors say. We are all keeping our fingers crossed that he will make it as he thoroughly deserves to go to Germany."