Hitz wants Wembley return

Thomas Hitzlsperger is dreaming of a Wembley return ahead of Monday's FA Cup sponsored by EON fifth-round visit of Burnley.

Der Hammer was back in West Ham United's first-team squad for the first time for the 3-3 Barclays Premier League draw at West Bromwich Albion last weekend after six months out with a thigh injury.

The No11 has successfully come through two reserve-team matches in recent weeks and is now targeting his first Boleyn Ground appearance since the SBOBET Cup victory over Spanish side RC Deportivo La Coruna in August.

Should West Ham win on Monday evening, they would be just one round from Wembley - a stadium Hitzlsperger graced in Germany's 2-1 friendly defeat of England in August 2007.

The 28-year-old has told the official matchday programme how much he enjoyed his night at the Home of Football and how he would love to return to Wembley in this year's FA Cup.

"It was really strange because before the game, I remember telling my team-mates they were going to love the English atmosphere. We went there to a great stadium and the game started with England scoring the first goal and I was hoping it wouldn't be a disaster for us. We then got level and went a goal up and all of a sudden it went very quiet.

"I really enjoyed it and always remember it when I think of England. We have a chance to go to Wembley in the FA Cup and that would be fantastic. We seem to do well in the cups so we can have another go and I think we have a good chance of progressing, even though Burnley are on a good run at the moment.

"It would be nice to finish the season at Wembley as it would be a great day out for everyone."

Hitzlsperger discusses a wide range of subjects in Monday's matchday programme, including his favourite sausage, his most embarrassing moment on a football pitch and the best players he has lined up alongside during his illustrious career.

The Germany midfielder's Fans' Mailbag is just one of a whole host of exclusive interviews to feature in Monday's issue.

There is in-depth news, views and photographs from the day the Olympic Park Legacy Committee (OPLC) Board recommended West Ham and the London Borough of Newham's joint bid to take control of the 2012 Olympic Stadium.

Jack Collison talks about twitter, ice chambers and his imminent return to action, while Burnley captain Clarke Carlisle and Clarets fan and former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell give the opposition view.

Kevin Keen, Wally Downes and Tony Carr bring supporters the latest from the reserve and youth teams, while manager Julia Setford and captain Nat Grafton talk about the successful Ladies team.

Former Hammers defender Colin Foster is the subject of 'Where Are They Now?', while the historical features look back to the day West Ham beat Switzerland in 1936 and an FA Cup victory over Manchester United 50 years later.

For all this, plus much, much more, supporters cannot afford to miss out on a copy of Monday's official matchday programme.

Priced £3.50, Monday's issue - the 21st of an action-packed season - will be available in and around the Boleyn Ground, as well as in the Stadium Store.