SOUTHEND United are taking a look at Freddy Eastwood’s cousin, Tom Anderson.

The teenage midfielder was released by Birmingham City at the end of last season.

And Blues’ academy manager Ricky Duncan has now taken Anderson on trial.

“He’s Freddy’s cousin and he was with us when he was younger,” said Duncan.

“The family moved and he went to Birmingham but he’s been released now so we’re having a look at him.”

Eastwood senior is firmly established as a Shrimpers legend after his sharp-shooting fired Steve Tilson’s side to back-to-back promotions.

The striker bagged 24 goals to help Blues win promotion via the League Two play-offs back in 2005 before scoring 25 the following season as Southend won the League One title.

In total, Eastwood bagged 65 goals in 135 appearances and memorably netted to help the Shrimpers see off a star-studded Manchester United side in the League Cup back in 2006.

Eastwood also returned to finish his career at Roots Hall before opting to retire in 2014.

However, Eastwood’s son, who is also called Freddy, is now starting to catch the eye with Blues and enjoyed a fine first season with the under-18s last term.

The attacking midfielder also netted in Blues’ under-23 side’s 4-0 win at Harlow Town, on Saturday, in a game which also saw Anderson enter the action as a substitute.

“Tom came on at Harlow and Freddy scored which went down well,” said Duncan.

“Tom’s an energetic midfielder with good balance and he moves the ball well.

“He needs to play a bit quicker because he’s probably used to having more time on the ball but he’s a young lad and we’ll see how he does.

"He's 18 or 19 and it’s an opportunity for us to look at him.”