Southend United's Freddy Eastwood insists he's fit to start game with York City (From Echo)

Southend United's Freddy Eastwood insists he's fit to start game with York City

9:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND United striker Freddy Eastwood is aiming to show he’s fighting fit when he plays his 150th game for the club, against York City tomorrow.

The 28-year-old has been on the bench for Blues’ last four matches, amid concerns over his physical condition.

But Eastwood insists is he raring to go and is eager to prove his doubters wrong.

“I’m fit enough to start and I want to be able to show that,” said Eastwood.

“I know there are people who disagree with that but if I get the chance then I think I’ll be able to prove that they’re wrong.”

Eastwood missed the start of the league season with a calf injury but returned to score as a substitute on his first game back against Exeter City in mid-September.

Since then he has been selected in the starting line-up just twice and has made two further appearances as a substitute.

The last of those came in Tuesday night’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Aldershot Town, during which Eastwood missed a crucial penalty.

However, he still wants to take the next spot-kick Blues are awarded.

“It was disappointing to see the penalty saved, especially as it geed Aldershot up a bit and they went on to win but I don’t want to stop taking them,” said Eastwood.

“If I’m on the pitch then I’ll put myself forward to take the penalty because I’m still feeling confident.

“Sometimes when you miss a penalty it can really play on your mind for a while but I thought I did OK when I came on against Aldershot so I’m still feeling good.

“I just want to play and hopefully I can get that chance tomorrow.”

Blues go in to the game 12th in the League Two table, three places below York and Eastwood is therefore expecting a tough test against the Minstermen.

“They’re having a good first season back in the league and will be a hard test for us,” said Eastwood.

“But we’re all fired up after losing on Tuesday and we want to get back up to where we think we should be in the table.”