Colchester United boss John McGreal has praised Tom Eastman’s fine form – and believes there is still more to come from the defender.

Eastman was outstanding on his 200th Football League game for the U’s at Luton Town on Boxing Day, helping his side to an excellent 1-0 win at Kenilworth Road.

The Colchester-born defender has relished playing as one of three centre-backs for the U’s alongside Frankie Kent and George Elokobi, as part of their 3-5-2 formation.

The U’s have conceded only once in their last five matches and Eastman’s eye-catching performances have not been lost on boss McGreal.

McGreal told the Daily Gazette: “I think Tom’s really stepped up his performances of late.

“He’s now progressing forward with the ball and he really enjoys that position.

“I think there’s more to come from him.

“He’s asking questions about how to get forward into good positions.

“He’s comfortable on the ball but defensively, he puts his head on it.

“(Luton striker Danny) Hylton is a hell of a threat; he’s a really good player in this league and I thought Tom kept him relatively quiet.”

Colchester have claimed 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five League Two matches, helping them rise into the top ten standings.

Nearly 500 U’s fans were at Kenilworth Road to see them extend their unbeaten run and boss McGreal says both supporters and players alike are enjoying their upturn in form.

“Winning games makes a big difference – it’s what fans want and we’ve been able to do that of late,” said the U’s boss.

“We had it at the beginning of the season and even in the depths of despair when we were on that winless run, there was still support there.

“That’s been a bit of an added bonus now that we’re turning things around and getting the points on the board, through the Christmas period.

“Coming in on Christmas Day has worked out really well for the boys and it’s just given them that prep before the game.

“Funnily enough, they were really looking forward to coming in and it was quite a good session on Christmas Day and they got their rewards.”

n The U’s have announced that they have extended their partnership with Roman Cars & Coaches for a further two years.

From next season, Roman Cars will appear on the back of Colchester’s home shirts and Roman Coaches on the back of the away shirts.