Hammers boss pleased with Freddie

3:37pm Monday 17th November 2008

FREDDIE Sears has been singled for praise by West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola.

The 18-year-old striker was dragged off at half time in Saturday's goalless draw with Portsmouth as Zola tinkered with his formation.

But the Italian insists Sears has so far meet the demands put on him by the club.

"I'm really pleased with him," said the Italian.

"We try to give him some individual work but he sees the opportunity and he's working very hard in training sessions and his attitude his excellent.

"In the training sessions we are working a lot with the ball and this is making him sharp and improving him.

"It's all down to him, he's seen the opportunity and he's taken it."

However, Zola warned the England under-19 international that he is likely to be left out in future games and needs to maintain a level head.

"He has a future as long as he keeps the right attitude in that sometimes he won't play," said Zola.

"If he can keep positive then he will have a bright future."