 Eastwood is a prolific scorer for Southend |
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.
 | If I get the opportunity to play for Wales, there won't be a prouder person than me |
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."
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