FREDDIE SEARS claims he feels like a 'new man' after returning from a loan spell at Scunthorpe United to help lift West Ham to four precious points in their battle against the drop.

Avram Grant has opted to deploy the young attacker on the right side of a midfield four in games against Fulham and Everton, and Sears has returned that faith with two solid, if unspectacular, displays.

The 21-year-old believes his time at Glanford Park this season has served as the perfect preparation for a sustained run in the West Ham team, after previously struggling to break into first XI under both Grant and his predecessor, Gianfranco Zola.

“The Championship is a tough, demanding league,” said Sears. “Physically and mentally it’s tough. You play a lot of games during a short space of time and I think it’s definitely helped me out. I’ve come back a lot quicker and a lot stronger.

“You get a lot of confidence playing games. I feel refreshed and really happy to be back. Sometimes it's good to go and come back and feel like a new man again.”