Tom Eastman wants to play a major role for Colchester United next season.

The 20-year-old Colchester-born centre-back has already established himself as a regular in the U’s side and has made 31 appearances so far this term, following a loan spell at League Two side Crawley Town.

Eastman marked his latest start for Colchester by scoring a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

The former Ipswich Town youngster is now keen to cement his place at the heart of the U’s defence, in the coming campaign.

Eastman: “I’m enjoying playing games and I’ve had a good run in the team.

“I hope I can push on next season and I think I’m capable of playing more games next season, where I’m playing every week.

“It’s a big opportunity for me next season to come in and prove that I can play week in, week out.”

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