SOUTHEND United’s under 18 side will be gunning for EFL Youth Alliance Cup glory this weekend.

The young Blues face Exeter City in the southern section final against Exeter City at Boots & Laces on Saturday morning.

And Shrimpers starlet Freddy Eastwood is keen to secure victory and a place in the national final for the first time in the club’s history.

“Everyone is buzzing to get to the final and we’re looking forward to it,” said Eastwood.

“I’m feeling confident and hopefully I can have a big impact on the game.

“We’ve watched Exeter a little bit but we’re only focusing on our own game and hopefully we can get the win to get through to the national final.”

Eastwood, whose father of the same name remains a legend at Roots Hall, has been in fine form for Blues’ youth team this term.

And he is keen to keep on impressing as he strives to achieve his ambition of playing for the Shrimpers’ first team.

“I love the club and I have a lot of respect for the club too, just like my dad has,” said Eastwood.

“I would love to play in the first team here more than anywhere else.

“That’s my dream along with being a professional footballer.

“I’m working hard and I’m loving playing football every day.

“Hopefully there are big things to come, starting with a win on Saturday.”

Striker Matt Rush has also been in fine form for Blues’ under 18 side this season and is now enjoying mixing that with a loan spell at Great Wakering Rovers.

However, the forward will line up for the Shrimpers this weekend and is keen to play a prominent part.

“I’m excited and we’ve played some of our best football to get to the final so hopefully we can play well again at the weekend,” said Rush, who has netted 20 goals so far this season.

“Everyone is really looking forward to it, myself included.

“It’s helped me going to Wakering because it’s completely different to youth football. I want to work on the physical side of the game and I’ve been clumped a few times but I’m enjoying it.

“I’m back with Southend for Saturday though and I’m excited about that.”

And Blues skipper Sam Knock is also keen to triumph.

“It’s nice to have a final and I think we can win this one,” said Knock.

“It will be a nice test but we want the win.”