Wales look to Eastwood

[Joey Jones]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=458607&CPID=219&clid=508&lid=4&title=Wales+look+to+Eastwood&channel=&

Southend's Freddy Eastwood could be on the verge of playing for Wales.

The Football Association of Wales are investigating the possibility of Southend's leading scorer playing for John Toshack's side.

Basildon-born Eastwood, who has hit 16 goals this season, could qualify by virtue of his Welsh grandfather.

"We are investigating the situation with Freddy because it does seem that there is a connection with his grandfather as he comes from Llanelli," said an FAW spokesman.

"We are now chasing up the relevant paperwork and if he is available to us then of course he will come into consideration and John Toshack will be down to watch him play."

Eastwood's goalscoring exploits at Roots Hall have made him a target for a number of Premiership clubs.

The striker has been a revelation for The Shrimpers since arriving from Grays Athletic in 2004, and his winning goal in the Carling Cup win over Manchester United brought his talents to a wider audience.

[Rocket]

i'm not sure i'm a fan of getting people who aren't really Welsh to play, vinnie jones, ben thatcher etc.

what are everyone elses opinions?

[Joey Jones]

i'm not sure i'm a fan of getting people who aren't really Welsh to play, vinnie jones, ben thatcher etc.

what are everyone elses opinions?

I wouldn’t mind him playing for us to be honest as long as he’s fully committed, unlike the likes of Thatcher. He could be the goal-scorer we’re after.

There are a few players already in the squad who have qualified through parents/grand parents, Nyatanga/Ricketts/Fletcher etc, and they’ve seemed to do OK.

[nebbers]

It is the old rule. If you play professional football and spent a weekend in Trecco Bay, then you'll get a cap.

[Joey Jones]

Eastwood reveals Wales ambition

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/6523241.stm

He should be in our next squad for the game in May, I'll look forward to see him play.


Southend striker Freddy Eastwood says he would relish the opportunity to play for Wales after his eligibility was confirmed by the FA of Wales.

Basildon-born Eastwood, 23, is eligible after providing documented proof that his grandfather was born in Wales.

"I'm delighted to have been able to prove I qualify for Wales," he said.

"I'm just keeping my fingers crossed (Wales manager) John Toshack picks me and that I can score goals at international level."

Eastwood's agent, Neil Fewings, contacted the Football Association of Wales to enquire over the striker's eligibility after his Welsh ancestry was discovered.

Fewings and the FAW have been working together over recent weeks to confirm his eligibility, and the crucial second piece of documented proof was obtained this week.

"The FAW has received all the relevant documentation to prove that Freddy's grandfather was born near Pontyberem," confirmed an FAW spokesman.

Eastwood's 16 goals for Championship strugglers Southend has made him a transfer target for a number of Premiership clubs.

He grabbed the headlines in November by scoring a superb free-kick to dump holders Manchester United out of the Carling Cup.

And with Wales short of strikers and struggling in front of goal, Eastwood could find himself joining the likes of Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy in the Wales squad as early as next month for the friendly with New Zealand.

"Of course I'm English, there is no doubt about that," added Eastwood. "But one side of my ancestry is Welsh, as well, and that means an awful lot to me.

"If that means I get the opportunity to play for Wales, there won't be a prouder person than me."

[Mumsafan]

You taking on pikeys now then as well

[Taffy]

You taking on pikeys now then as well

When you're in the position we're in mums you take whoever you can!