‘I have a lot to give whether that’s here or somewhere else’ – Sears admits he may have to consider his Ipswich future

But the forward has had to make do with a place on the bench on a regular basis this season. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

The 28-year-old, who continues to be used primarily in a wide role, has made just 10 Championship starts this season and not in consecutive games since last August.

After impressing during a 65-minute substitute appearance in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday, he stressed he is happy in Suffolk, remains proud to play for the club and will continue to give his all for the team.

However, he also admitted the lack of consistent action has led him to think about where his future lies.

“The gaffer’s been great, he’s spoken to me about it and you just have to keep giving everything,” said Sears, who hasn’t scored since last April.

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“Who knows (what the future holds) because you want to play games. I’m 28 and I’m not happy sitting around doing nothing – I want to play games and I feel like I have a lot to give, whether that’s here or somewhere else.

“We’ll see about the future but I’m only thinking about the rest of the season and then seeing what happens from there.

Freddie Sears at Villa Park in November. Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

“Everyone considers it if you’re not playing as regularly as you would like because everyone wants to play and be in the team.

“I love it here. I love the place and the team, while the manager (Mick McCarthy) and TC (Terry Connor) are brilliant. But at the end of the day you want to play games.

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“I’m not one of those who is happy to be sitting around, picking up money and not doing anything, I want to be playing, scoring goals and achieving stuff.

“That’s a decision I will have to make and we’ll see what happens. I’m not saying I am leaving, because that’s not the case, but everyone thinks about their futures.

“I’m sure there are a few other boys thinking about what they are going to do. I still have next year left on my contract here and I’m happy, so we’ll see.”

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The striker's last goal came at Newcastle in April. Picture: Steve Waller (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Sears’ appearance at Hillsborough saw him feature in a front two alongside Martyn Waghorn and the forward is hoping to get the nod for Saturday’s Championship visit of Sheffield United.

“It’s down to the gaffer and that’s his decision,” he said. “Hopefully I will play on Saturday but, if not I will be ready for Hull on Tuesday.”

Much of Sears’ struggles in front of goal stem from playing in a wide role, rather than his preferred position through the middle, but the former West Ham youngster will continue to give his best whenever and wherever he is asked to play.

“I’m missing it (scoring goals) and it’s been a tough season, a disappointing season and a frustrating season for me personally,” he said.

“It’s been tough to not be playing as often and, for me, to not be scoring goals. It’s difficult when you are not starting and then coming on and playing for 10 minutes, two minutes or playing once then sitting out five.

“But I’ll keep working hard, stay positive and see what happens.

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The striker did well during a substitute appearance at Sunderland recently. Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd.07976 935738)

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – striker is my position.

“I’ve been a little bit unlucky here that we’ve been playing one up top after playing 4-4-2 when I first came here and that got the best out of me.

“I’ve been asked to play a different role and you do it for the team, but personally it’s not where you want to be playing or getting the best out of your qualities.

“I see myself as a centre forward, playing with someone and making runs in behind.

“If I was scoring goals I would be knocking on the manager’s door but, at the minute I’m not scoring goals and other boys are so that would be a bit of a pointless task.

“If I was scoring goals and still not playing I would be knocking on the manager’s door to find out why.

“The boys have been doing well and sometimes in football you have to accept that and carry on working hard, get your head down and be ready when called upon.”

Sears is contracted to Ipswich until the end of next season. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)