WEST HAM starlet Freddie Sears admits he is living in dreamland playing for the club he has always supported.

The Hornchurch-born striker has emerged as a Hammers favourite after bursting onto the scene in spectacular fashion with a match-winning debut goal against Blackburn at Upton Park last season.

And so far, it has all been a fantasy ride for the talented teenager.

"My team has always been West Ham. They're my nearest club and I used to go and watch them every week," Sears said in this month's FourFourTwo magazine.

"Obviously to go on and play for them and score was the stuff of dreams. Just to play at Upton Park was great, I've been going there for so long.

"The main highlight of my career so far was scoring against Blackburn on my Premier League debut. When I headed the ball in, it was fantastic.

"The noise in the stadium was unbelievable. I celebrated like a madman, giving the Hammers sign in my celebration."

Yet, despite his notable early success, the 18-year-old insists he will not be letting the fame get the better of him.

"I'm only 18 and haven't made it yet," he noted.

"I've been told not to get too big for my boots. I'll keep my feet on the ground."

Sears also admits he would love to accomplish the feats of two former Irons - legend Paolo Di Canio and goalscoring machine Jermain Defoe.

Di Canio is one the greatest players ever to wear the claret and blue shirt and is a crowd favourite after four impressive seasons spent with the club between 1999 and 2003.

Talisman Defoe might not be held in the same high regard at the Boleyn Ground as Di Canio (after handing in a transfer request just hours after the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League in 2003 and then moving to bitter London rivals Spurs), but Sears is still hopeful he can emulate the pair's achievements.

"Di Canio was my hero when I was a kid. He was so exciting to watch and always had the crowd off their seats one way or another," said Sears.

"Defoe is different as he's a player I admire as our style of play is very similar. I would love to achieve what he has."