Eastwood's Welsh credentials are confirmed

Last updated : 05 April 2007 By Wales Reporter
Freddy Eastwood is excited at the possibility of playing for Wales.

Englishman Eastwood is dreaming of scoring for Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

John Toshack has the option of calling on Eastwood for the friendly against New Zealand at Wrexham in May and the Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in June in Cardiff.

"I'm delighted to have been able to prove I qualify for Wales. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed Mr Toshack picks me and that I can score goals at international level," he told the Western Mail.

"The thought of potentially playing next to real stars of the game like Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, Jason Koumas and Simon Davies is one that greatly appeals to me.

"I've always backed myself to score goals, whatever level I have played at. And with creative players like that in the team, there wouldn't be any shortage of scoring chances being created for Wales, would there?

"The prospect of lining up in the team next to Giggs is particularly enticing for me.

"I'm a big Manchester United fan and he has been one of my idols down the years.

"Giggs is a player I greatly admire and look up to and it would be absolutely wonderful for me to actually play next to him for Wales.

"Then there is the Millennium Stadium factor, too.

"I've already played there twice at club level for Southend, and on each occasion, I have been fortunate enough to score.

"It's a truly fantastic ground, one of the best in Europe, and I can just imagine it full of 70,000 passionate Welsh fans, roaring their team on.

"To score for Wales there would be a dream come true for me."

The paperwork was confirmed on Wednesday that Eastwood has Welsh ancestory. The FAW have received official documentation that Eastwood can represent Wales and that new has been passed onto John Toshack.

Southend Utd have 6 games left this season in which Eastwood can try to impress Tosh to earn a call up.

"This whole thing came about a few months ago when my agent asked me whether I had any Welsh links," Eastwood continued.

"We started doing some digging into it and I confirmed that I do have strong Welsh ancestry, something I'm very proud of.

"We worked hard to produce the relevant documents and, fingers crossed, everything has gone okay.

"It's down to Mr Toshack, but I'm really excited by the prospect of potentially playing for Wales.

"I've obviously taken a close interest in how the current qualifying group has been going and the thing that strikes me most is what a difficult draw Wales have been given.

"To have Germany and the Czech Republic in your group, as well as Slovakia and Ireland, makes qualifying really hard.

"But who knows what can happen from here on in? And, if given the chance, I'd relish the opportunity of trying to score goals for Wales.

"Of course I'm English, there is no doubt about that. 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.

"We've got six games left in the League season and I've got to do well in them. That, hopefully, will bring the extra bonus of a call-up into the Wales squad.

"I appreciate it is a big step up from the Championship, but whatever level I have played at, I have always scored goals.

"People tell me that Wales need goals and. of course. I would like to be the person who scores them."