High praise for Southend's Eastwood

Last updated : 30 October 2005 By Daniel Elwes
Eastwood's goals, coming on his 22nd birthday, moved the Shrimpers clear at the top of League One - confounding the pre-season 'experts' who tipped a season of struggle for last year's League Two play-off winners.

And Tilson has backed the youngster - who signed from Grays Athletic last season - to forge a strong career in the top levels of the game.

He said: "Freddy is a great player capable of operating at a higher level, hopefully we can help him to do just that.

"There are only 16 games gone and no-one is getting carried away. My main aim remains to get 52 points as soon as possible and keep my job.

"I am delighted by the performance and the result because not many teams beat Bristol City at home. But there is an awful long way to go."