FREDDIE Sears is learning a lot from Craig Bellamy, but the West Ham United youngster admitted the Wales captain's absence through injury has given him the chance to shine.

The England Under-19 international burst on to the scene at the end of last season, banging in more than 20 goals for the Hammers' reserve and youth teams before scoring the winner against Blackburn Rovers on his Premier League debut.

Sears made seven first team appearances in total last term before notching up his eighth as a late substitute in Saturday's 2-1 opening day win over Wigan Athletic at Upton Park.

And the Hornchurch-based striker admitted he is itching to take advantage of Bellamy's absence by enhancing his reputation still further.

"Bellars being injured will give me more of a chance of maybe a start," admitted the 19-year-old, who spent the summer with England at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals in the Czech Republic.

"That’s a good thing from me, but hopefully Craig will be back soon to strengthen the squad."

However, Bellamy's hamstring strain has prevented Sears from training alongside the former Liverpool and Newcastle United star, whose direct, speedy style has often been compared to his own.

"In training, we work well together. He is a similar sort of build and stature to me, so it is good to watch him and when you think of where he has been and how far he has reached, it is obviously a good learning process for me," added the youngster.

For now, though, Sears is just concentrating on keeping the attention of Hammers manager Alan Curbishley and adding to his growing number of first team appearances - and goals.

"It was nice to get out on the pitch in the first game of the season and get a little run-out and obviously, for the team, it was great to get the three points," said the lifelong West Ham fan.

"We’ve been waiting for it for so long, so it is good to get off the mark.

"Personally, I just want to play as many games as I can, score as many goals as I can and keep doing well for the club."