Freddie Sears is hoping he will be given an opportunity to play a leading role in West Ham's survival bid.
Hammers youngster determined to prove his worth
Freddie Sears is hoping he will be given an opportunity to play a leading role in West Ham's survival bid.
The 21-year-old forward was handed a surprise start against Fulham on Boxing Day, just days after being recalled from a loan spell at Scunthorpe.
A lively showing in a 3-1 win against the Cottagers saw him earn widespread acclaim, with his energetic approach bringing something different to the Hammers attack.
Sears is keen to build on his showing at Craven Cottage and prove to Avram Grant that he is worthy of a regular role.
As a West Ham fan and East End native, the youngster admits nothing would give him greater pleasure than helping the club to preserve their Premier League status.
Lift
He said: "I'm a West Ham fan and live around the corner.
"I'd love to stay and try to lift them up the league a little bit but we'll see what happens.
"I had half an idea I was going to start against Fulham and just wanted to be in the meeting to find out. I was delighted when I was in the team.
"It was hard work and a good shift and the three points was the most important thing and that is what we got.
"Now is the time to kick on. We have an away win which we haven't had in a while. Hopefully that will be the turning point. No-one wants to be bottom at Christmas."
Shocked
Sears admits it has been difficult for him watching from afar this season, with West Ham having spent the entire campaign to date wallowing inside the relegation zone.
He said: "I am shocked where we are in the table.
"Obviously, I was here at the start of the season and we started well in pre-season. We got to the start of the season and it didn't quite happen for us.
"But if you look at the players around - Scott Parker, Matt Upson and Carlton Cole - if everyone plays like they did against Fulham we won't be down there for much longer.
"As a West Ham fan it's hard to see the club where they are. I want West Ham to do well and to see them not doing as well as they should be is difficult."
