Hammers striker happy to be playing first team football after learning curve in Lincolnshire

WEST HAM youngster Freddie Sears believes he has grown up after returning from a loan spell at Scunthorpe.

The 21-year-old made nine appearances in north Lincolnshire in a bid to play matches after slipping down the pecking order at the Hammers.

Sears returned just before Christmas and was named in the starting XI against Fulham and after impressing on the right-hand side of midfield, retained his place in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Upton Park.

The Academy graduate again put in a solid showing and feels the experience of playing second tier football was a factor in his showings.

“It grows you up. Championship is a tough demanding league. Physically and mentally it’s tough,” he said.

“You play a lot of games during a short space of time and I think it’s definitely helped me out. I’ve come back a lot quicker and a lot stronger.

It’s a lot more competitive in the Championship because there are points to play for. The fans, the stadiums it’s a lot more competitive and a good place to go and learn your trade.

“You get a lot of confidence playing games. You have a couple of good games and a couple of bad games.

“When you play well you have to learn to keep going. I feel refreshed and really happy to be back. Sometimes it’s good to go and come back and feel like a new man again.”

Sears has certainly looked sharp in his two starts since returning. His pace and directness has caused full backs problems, while his crossing has also impressed.

“It’s a role I can see myself getting used to. I feel I have played okay in both games, its good I can show the manager I can play there if needed. If he sticks me up front I’ll be happy to go up front, it he wants to play out wide its go there,” he said.

“I played there a couple of times for the reserves and at Scunthorpe I played a lot on the wing in a 4-3-3 but it is hard work. I was tired coming off Fulham and today it’s been very tiring.”

Sears is hopeful the tiredness will fade after some more minutes and is desperate to have a decent run in the first team.

“Yeah it’s important. It’s hard going in and out of the team, not knowing if you’re playing or not,” he said.

“I think the gaffer gave me reassurance that I played the game at the weekend that I had done well and I kind of knew I was going to play today, I’m just happy to get a run in the team. I have just have to keep going.

“It’s a massive boost. Not just the manager, the boys in the changing room as well and that’s the way you want it, players patting you on the back telling you done well and me doing the same to others, it’s a massive boost for the team.”

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