Curbishley has no fears that Sears will stay the distance

After all, they remember what happened to Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Glen Johnson — all sold to balance the books. But with Icelandic billionaire Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson now in control, Alan Curbishley is convinced West Ham will no longer sell the family silver.

Having watched Sears echo Upton Park legend Tony Cottee 25 years ago by scoring on his debut, Curbishley insisted it will be West Ham who reap the benefits of the Hornchurch-born striker for years to come, not one of their rivals.

"Since I've been here that hasn't been a threat and every indication I have is that we want to push forward," said Curbishley. "I understand players have left here in the past but I think perhaps it was a different situation then.

"Of the last 20 years the club has had 15 in the top flight and a lot of the damage was done when they got relegated. I wasn't here then but now no one is thinking of anything other than progressing."

Others on the fringes of first-team action include James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Kyel Reid and, with West Ham guaranteed no more than a mid-table finish, Curbishley admitted he is tempted to blood his youngsters. Blackburn took the lead in the 19th minute when Roque Santa Cruz stooped to head home Morten Gamst Pedersen's cross unopposed. West Ham were level six minutes before the break after Dean Ashton chipped home from Bobby Zamora's flick.

Brought on for Nolberto Solano with 15 minutes remaining, Sears made a sensational impact. Running on to a back-heel from Ashton, he cracked a shot from the edge of the box which was well parried by Brad Friedel. But the 18-year-old had the presence of mind to follow up his initial effort, heading home the rebound at the far post.

Having recently passed his driving test, Sears had promised himself a new BMW as reward for his first senior goal. But given the strike perhaps came earlier than anticipated, coupled with the fact that he has already pranged his current motor in the West Ham training ground car park, it might be better to wait a while.

The trappings of fame may be just around the corner for Sears but another local boy to have made the grade, Mark Noble, was happy to offer some advice.

He said: 'I told him: "I've been exactly where you are now, go out and enjoy it. Celebrate with your family or do whatever you do, but come ready for work on Monday".'