Freddie Sears has pleaded for another opportunity to fire West Ham to victory despite struggling to make an impression in the club's bore draw against West Brom

By JONATHAN CLEGG

Freddie Sears has pleaded for another opportunity to fire West Ham to victory at Blackburn on Saturday despite struggling to make an impression in the club's bore draw against West Brom.

The England Under-20 international made his first Premier League start for four months in Monday night's disappointing stalemate with the Baggies as West Ham misfired without leading scorer Carlton Cole, who completes his two-match suspension this weekend.

Now Sears is desperate for another chance to show he is capable of filling in for Cole as the Hammers academy graduate bids to prove he is a Premier League performer.

He said: "It's definitely a massive chance for me. With Carlton out for two games, I've just got to go in and do my best and hopefully get the results for the team and do well for myself.

"I've been doing well in training and the manager tells me to keep doing what I'm doing. Obviously it's a bit frustrating sometimes sitting around waiting for your chance so it's nice to get on the pitch.

"The aim at the club at the minute is to finish seventh - that's what we all want to do and if we could get a UEFA Cup spot that would be a great achievement for the club."

Hammers boss Zola praised the contribution of West Ham's youngsters in the lacklustre draw against West Brom.

The Italian admitted that his side had been below par in the goalless draw at the Boleyn Ground, but he remains confident that striker Sears and fellow teenagers James Tomkins, Savio Nsereko and Junior Stanislas will benefit from the experience.

"They gave everything and I'm pleased with their attitude," Zola said.

"Obviously they have to improve and we're going to be working with them to improve them, but at least they are willing to learn. That for me is one of the most important things.