TOM Eastman could be in line to keep his place in Colchester United's starting line-up following his impressive return against Yeovil Town last night.

That's the view of U's boss John McGreal, who was impressed with the central defender's performance in his side's 3-1 win at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Eastman had been a big doubt for the game after suffering a head injury in Colchester's 2-1 home loss to Bury, last weekend.

But the Colchester-born defender was desperate to play - and after making a scoring return to the side for the injured Frankie Kent after spending three matches on the bench has now staked a claim to keep his place for the U's trip to play Stevenage, this weekend.

McGreal said: "Tom has certainly put his case forward again now, because Frankie hopefully might be alright for Saturday and definitely Tuesday (against Southend United in the Checkatrade Trophy).

"When you're in the position that we're in, in the league and things are good and it's a nice environment to come and train and play, people don't want to be injured.

"They want to keep themselves involved and that's been good for us, at this moment in time.

"Tom was Player of the Year last year - he's had to bide his time this year at times because the defence has done ever so well.

"He wanted to play - I spoke to him on Monday and he said 'I'm absolutely fine' and then again on the day of the match and he said the same thing.

"He popped with a goal and you know what you're going to get from Tom.

"He formed a good relationship last year with Luke (Prosser) and we're lucky to have Luke, Frankie (Kent) and Tom pushing each other whether we go with a back three or a four, where one of them has to miss out."