SOUTHEND United striker Freddy Eastwood today expressed his delight at being called up into the Wales national squad.

As exclusively revealed in Echosport last month, the Shrimpers hot-shot is able to play for the Principality because his grandfather was born in Llanelli.

And Eastwood, who was playing non-league football three years ago, cannot wait to figure alongside the likes of Manchester United's Ryan Giggs.

"It's brilliant news for me and I'm obviously delighted," said the Basildon based-23-year-old.

"The better the players around me the better I'll be and it's going to be a great experience."

Eastwood has been selected by John Toshack for a friendly with New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, May 26, before Wales face the Czech Republic at the same venue seven days later in a 2008 European Championship qualifier.

The highly-rated goal-getter will push hard for a place in the side and is aiming to continue his fine scoring record in Wales.

"The last two times I have played there I've scored and we've won promotion as well, so I have very good memories of the place," he said.

"I scored in the final of the play-offs against Lincoln and then got two at Swansea last season so I'm looking forward to going back again."

Eastwood - who could become the first Southend star to play for Wales since Jimmy Evans 84 years ago - has hit home 16 goals for the struggling Shrimpers this season but has missed two of his side's last three games with a back injury.

The forward is receiving treatment but is sure he will be fine to meet up with the squad later this month.

"I have three weeks before we start training together so I think I will be OK," said Eastwood.

"I may even be fit for the Southampton game on Sunday."

The striker - who joined Blues from Grays Athletic in October 2004 - has scored 65 goals in 135 games for Steve Tilson's side.

That has made him one of the hottest properties outside of the Premiership but he has been disappointed by his form during the current campaign.

"I was after 20 goals and I've fallen short of that," he said.

"I've missed a few games with injury but I haven't got as many goals as I would have liked."

That has not stopped rumours about his future though as a series of top sides continue to be linked with Eastwood, who netted a memorable free-kick to help the Shrimpers beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Carling Cup last November.

"I have a contract at Southend for next year," he said.

"And I will still be here unless I get a move during the summer."

>Eastwood will become the 12th Southend player to earn an international cap if he appears for Wales next month.

The first Shrimpers star to appear for his country was Lot Jones who played for Wales in 1920.

Other Southend players who have received international caps: Jimmy Evans (Wales), Charlie Turner (Eire), George McKenzie (Eire), Jimmy McAlinden (Northern Ireland), Tom Scannell (Eire), Sam McCrory (Northern Ireland), Derek Spence (Northern Ireland), Ronnie Whelan (Eire), Tes Bramble (Montserrat) and Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Jamaica).