50 Rising Stars to watch in the Premier League: No 3 Freddie Sears

29 September 2010 16:02
Football.co.uk's new countdown reaches number three today as Daniel Jolly profiles a young striker with a bright future ahead of him.

Name: Frederick David Sears

Born: November 27th, 1989 (age 20)

Club: West Ham United

International Honours: England U19's (4 caps, 3 goals) U20's (1 cap, 0 goals) and U21s (3 caps, 1 goal)

Yet another product of the seemingly never-ending West Ham production line of youngsters, Sears has caught the eye with some outstanding goal-scoring feats.

After netting 25 goals in 24 matches for the youth and reserve sides in the 2007/08 season, he made his first-team bow against Blackburn Rovers in March 2008 at Upton Park.

It was to be a dream debut for the striker as he netted the winner. His maiden strike coming just five minutes and 16 seconds after coming on for midfielder Nolberto Solano.

Soon after, Gianfranco Zola decided to loan out the youngster to further his development. After rejecting QPR, Peterborough United and Sheffield Wednesday, the Hornchurch born forward chose to spend the 2009/10 campaign on loan at fellow London side Crystal Palace.

During his time with Palace, he was denied a goal after Referee Rob Shoebridge controversially chose to disallow his strike against Bristol City. Shoebridge failed to spot that the ball had gone in before bouncing out off a stanchion below the net, much to the anger of then Eagles boss Neil Warnock.

Since his memorable debut, Sears has gone on 53 games without a league goal for the Hammers, Palace and most recently with Coventry City.

Source: DSG