FREDDY Eastwood is in line to make his 200th appearance when Southend United host Hartlepool at Roots Hall tonight.

The 30-year-old striker is currently enjoying his second spell with the Shrimpers after an incredibly successful first stint.

And he is still hopeful of securing more memorable moments with his home-town club, starting with tonight’s clash against the Monkeyhangers as Phil Brown’s side bid to end their five match winless streak.

“It’s a big game tonight because we need the win after the last few results and being game 200 for me makes it extra special,” said Eastwood.

“I wasn’t too aware that I was coming up to 200 appearances for the club but I knew I must’ve been quite close to that because I’ve been here for a lot of my career.

“I have had spells away from Roots Hall, but the club has always been the one closest to my heart and the one I’ve most enjoyed my football with.”

Eastwood fired Blues to two successive promotions during his previous spell at Roots Hall but remains determined to make it a hat-trick.

Southend have slipped down to seventh in the standings after a run of indifferent results.

But the striker is still confident the team can turn things around and get back in to the League One.

“Ever since I came back here I’ve also wanted to make it a hat-trick of promotions for me at Southend and I still think we’ve got a real chance this season,” said Eastwood.

“We’re still in a good position and Hartlepool are eighth in the table right now so beating them would open up even more of a gap.”

The Shrimpers are currently six points clear of the Monkeyhangers and Eastwood is desperate to be involved against them.

The former Wolves and Coventry City forward has not started for Southend since September and has not hit the back since scoring a late winner at Burton Albion in October.

But, having now recovered from the knee injury, which forced him out of the side, Eastwood is fighting to force his way back in to the team.

“It was really frustrating to pick up an injury having been playing regularly and scoring regularly at the start of the season but I’m feeling good again now,” said striker.

“Hopefully I can play an important part in helping the club get promotion, which is what we all want to achieve.”