SOUTHEND United striker Freddy Eastwood wants to put his back in to beating Bristol Rovers tonight.

The 29-year-old forward scored in Blues’ 3-0 victory over Stockport County on Saturday, despite almost missing the match with a bizarre injury.

And he now also wants to hit the back of the net against the Pirates.

“I was playing around with my kids at home when I injured my back but thankfully I was still able to play and score and more of the same this evening would be great,” said Eastwood.

“I only missed one day of training with the injury I had and I’m not too sure where it came from that I did it getting off a chair because that wasn’t the case.

“But, having missed the penalty in my last game, I was pleased to score again and I want to keep on doing that to try and get my way in to the team and get regular matches again.”

Eastwood, whose first game back at Blues was at Bristol Rovers last March, expects to remain on the bench for tonight’s clash at the Memorial Stadium.

However, he remains hopeful of playing a pivotal part of the game.

“I’m disappointed not to be playing but the only way I can be is by doing well when I get on,” said Eastwood.

“I want to get another chance this evening and can hopefully chip in with another goal to help us get a win.”

Southend go in to the game 13th in the League Two table, with Bristol Rovers in 20th.

But Blues boss Paul Sturrock is expecting a stern challenge from the Pirates.

“They’ve won their last two home league games and are turning things around after a slow start,” said Sturrock.

“We won well at the weekend though and want to build on that but I think it will be important to freshen up the side.”

The on loan Britt Assombalonga, who is Southend’s top goalscorer this season, is available again after being denied permission from his parent club Watford to play in the FA Cup while Tamika Mkandawire also comes in to the squad after signing on loan from Millwall.

Ryan Cresswell hopes to be fit despite suffering concussion against Stockport on Saturday but fellow defender Luke Prosser definitely misses out as he serves a one match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.

Southend United (from): Smith, Clohessy, Phillips, Cresswell, Barker, Laird, Mkandawire, Timlin, Hurst, Assombalonga, Tomlin, Straker, Eastwood, Corr, Martin, Bentley, Leonard, Spicer & Benyon