Freddie Sears has found an unlikely father figure at West Ham - Craig Bellamy. The England Under-19 international has been taking advice from the firebrand striker, who has been no stranger to controversy both on and off the pitch.

Sears, 18, says Bellamy has been passing on tips on how to train properly and even how to avoid the limelight.

It is a stark contrast from the Wales international's reputation and Sears believes the 29-year-old has mellowed with age.

He said: "Dean Ashton helps me a lot, along with Craig. I am quite similar to Craig and he has been giving me tips on how to improve as a player. He is certainly someone to listen to because he is a full international and played in the Champions League with Liverpool, so I can learn from him.

"He has been telling me about how to lead my lifestyle - not going out and doing silly things - and he has also been helping me with my technique.

"He's kind of like a father figure for me and seems like he's calmed down."

Sears has been at West Ham since he was 11 and last season scored 25 goals in 24 matches for the youth and reserve teams. It was that form which earned him his first-team debut in March when he made a dramatic impact, coming on as a substitute to score an 81st-minute winner against Blackburn.

He said: "It was good because I knew people were asking Alan Curbishley about me and I built up a bit of a reputation.

"I then came on and scored and it all went like dream. I now get stopped in the street and supermarket and get people coming up to me, but I like that."

Sears is focusing on the new season, which he hopes will see the Hammers push for a European spot.

He said: "We need to push on. If we were to finish 10th in the League again it would be the same as last season and we need to be aiming for the top six."