FREDDIE Sears has been recalled by West Ham from his loan spell with Championship side Scunthorpe United in time for the busy festive period.

The 21-year-old striker has enjoyed a successful two-month spell at Glanford Park and has returned in an attempt to break into the first team, with games against Fulham, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers coming up in quick succession.

He will vie with the likes of Victor Obinna, Freddie Piquionne, Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and Benni McCarthy for a place in the starting line-up.