Tenth the spur for Sears

Freddie Sears sees plenty to play for between now and the end of the season - not least the chance to finish above Tottenham Hotspur.

While he may have been frustrated on his last three substitute appearances after the goalscoring heroics of his debut a month ago, Sears will keep going for goals if selected against Derby County - especially if it helps keep the gap between West Ham United and old rivals Spurs. The north London side are just three points behind as they go to Wigan Athletic and the biggest threat to a top-ten finish.

Speaking to WHUTV, Sears said: "We have got to win against Derby, it is a big game. We need the result. We are still pushing for tenth," the 18-year-old said. "We have got Spurs just behind us so we want to finish tenth don't we! If we can get any higher that will be a bonus now." He also has good recent memories of playing Tottenham, having scored two and made one for Dean Ashton in a 3-1 reserve-team win on 25 February.

Sears could make his full debut this weekend at the Boleyn Ground, having watched fellow Academy graduates James Tomkins and Jack Collison both get their chance from the off for Alan Curbishley in recent games. "Hopefully I will feature, whether from the start or coming on but I just need to get a start now really," he said. "I would like to think I am in contention but you don't know. It is up to the gaffer."