Tom Eastman, standing firm in defence at MK Dons, is looking for a run in the U's team

COLCHESTER United defender Tom Eastman has no regrets about leaving Ipswich Town last summer.

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Up-and-coming centre-half Eastman, who turned down the offer of a short six-month contract at Town, to sign for neighbours Colchester on a two-year deal, is loving every minute of his time in his native Essex.

Colchester-born Eastman is seen as a big player of the future, by manager John Ward and the rest of his staff, but the 20-year-old is already making an impression in the first team.

Although he has found his opportunities limited, Eastman produced his best display in a Colchester shirt during last Monday’s 1-0 defeat at high-flying MK Dons. It was only his third start for the club.

“I have no regrets about leaving Ipswich, none at all,” confirmed Eastman.

“I enjoyed my time at Ipswich but I thought it was time for me to move on, to get some more game-time.

“I hope to be part of the future of Colchester United, because at the moment the club has some very experienced centre-backs, who the manager is sticking with.

“I just have to bide my time and learn off the others. But I also want to prove that I am good enough to be in the team now,” added Eastman.

Following difficult games at Sheffield Wednesday (2-0 defeat in October) and at home to MK Dons (5-1 thrashing in November), Eastman returned with a man-of-the-match display at MK Dons.

He was handed a rare start due to Matt Heath’s groin injury, and will now be hoping to retain his place at home to Scunthorpe on Saturday.

“Matt Heath is a good player, but I just have to take my chance when it comes along. I think I did that at MK Dons,” continued Eastman.

“Magnus (Okuonghae) helped me through the 90 minutes. He is very experienced, talks a lot, and he keeps me on my toes.

“When I’ve played, it’s been against top six sides, so it’s been difficult for me, but I hope to build on my last performance.”