Freddie Sears is looking forward to Aston Villa on Sunday after marking his first start since returning to West Ham United with two goals in the reserves.
The 20-year converted two second-half spot-kicks against Arsenal in mid-week, one of which he won, to cancel out Jay-Emmanuel Thomas' quick-fire first-half brace. Unfortunately for Sears and his team-mates, Thomas was to go on to complete his hat-trick as the Gunners ran out 4-2 winners but the goals will have given the striker a boost ahead of the trip to Villa Park.
"It was good game," he said. "Every time West Ham play Arsenal it is a big game, whether it's reserves, youth or first team. I think we gave it a good go. We went 2-0 down and then we got level and it was then disappointing to let them get the other two goals. Before that happened I thought we had a chance of going on and nicking it but it just didn't happen for us."
Sears had to twice face Vito Mannone in the Arsenal goal from 12 yards and twice he came out on top by placing one spot-kick hard and low into each corner.
"It's more mind games for you and the 'keeper - you've been one way and are you going to go the other? I remember Frank Lampard had three penalties here and they were all different so I thought I'd change it up a bit and luckily it went well."
Sears will have been as surprised as many when he saw who was going to be marking him at the Boleyn Ground as Sol Campbell made a shock return for the Gunners. The England Under-21 international, who has been handed the No19 shirt upon his return after a six-month loan at Crystal Palace, gave as good as he got in the duel and was pleased to test himself against the former England international.
"It was good. Before the game, we heard Sol Campbell was involved and it got us up for it a bit more. I think it got the crowd up for it and the cameras were on us. He's a quality player and he gave Arsenal a lot of experience."
Despite enjoying his temporary time at Palace, the striker is glad to be back at Chadwell Heath and feels that he has taken a lot from his temporary spell in south London.
"When you go out you go out to play games, it grows you up a bit. When you've been at West Ham all your life to go somewhere else is difficult and everything changes. It's really good and you come back a different player. You feel more confident in and around the team and it's just good. It's great to back and spirits are high at the minute."