Southend United centre back Adam Barrett is backing Blues striker Freddy Eastwood to fire Steve Tilson's side to promotion this season.

The highly-rated hot shot has banged home 12 goals in 15 starts since signing for the Shrimpers in a series of superb displays which have helped establish the Essex outfit in the race for promotion.

And Barrett is sure the former Grays Athletic goal-getter can continue his rich vein of form.

"Freddy has had a massive impact on our season," said the Southend-based defender.

"To start off with we were struggling for goals even though we weren't playing that badly, but it's a different story now.

"Freddy has come in and has a great record and if you look at any side that wins promotion they all have a regular goalscorer and that's what we have now."

Brought to you by the Evening Echo