Academy product Sears has featured just twice for new boss Avram Grant this season, his last appearance coming in the Carling Cup win over Oxford on August 24. The 20-year-old has, though, continued his progress for the reserves, netting in the 3-2 friendly win at neighbours Dagenham and Redbridge. With the likes of Frederic Piquionne, Victor Obinna, Carlton Cole and Benni McCarthy all vying for a place in the Hammers' starting XI, Sears accepts it may be his career can be moved on with another spell away from Upton Park, having already spent time at both Coventry and Crystal Palace. "I am hoping to do what I can to get back in the first team. The manager obviously picks the team, so it is up to him. You have just got to be patient and wait and see what happens. If I get a chance, I have to take it," Sears said on the club's official website. "My aim is to break into the first team, but if not then maybe go on loan somewhere else to play games, score a couple of goals and then go from there." Meanwhile, it has been reported Thomas Hitzlsperger could be set for surgery on a thigh problem and around four months on the sidelines. The 28-year-old former Aston Villa midfielder signed on a free transfer from Lazio during the summer but has yet to feature in competitive action for his new club after being injured when playing for Germany during pre-season.
