JACK Collison wants to emulate fellow youngster Freddie Sears by making an impact in the West Ham first team.

Sears capped a dream debut for the club by scoring the winning goal against Blackburn on Saturday.

Now 19-year-old centre midfielder Collision, the club's reserve team skipper, is hoping to follow suit and earn his way into the team.

"That is the main aim, to try and force my way into the first team," said Collison.

"It is great to see Freddie Sears come in and have such a big impact on the first team.

"He has worked so hard this season, and has really deserved it.

"That is what we are all hoping to do really."

Wales U21 star Collison (pictured) has made one appearance for the Hammers, as a substitute against Arsenal on New Year's Day, and was an unused substitute in the game with Birmingham last month.

He faces a tough task of becoming a regular fixture in the senior side, with Mark Noble, Hayden Mullins, Scott Parker and Lee Bowyer all currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, he is willing to put in the hours in order to prove himself to boss Alan Curbishley.

"It is going to be hard to get in there, but I will just keep my head down and keep working hard," he told the club's offical website.

"Hopefully I will force my way on to the bench and then get out there. That is what I am looking to do."