LONG-SERVING Colchester United defender Tom Eastman says he’s happy to keep racking up the personal milestones – but admits he would gladly swap individual accolades for a prized promotion.

Eastman is set to make his 300th league appearance for his home-town club tomorrow at Crawley Town, where he spent a month on loan back in 2011.

The 27-year-old, who is a three-time winner of the U’s Player of the Year award, says he is proud to reach another personal landmark, having notched up his 300th game in all competitions for Colchester against Stevenage last season.

But the Colchester-born centre-back admits he would exchange any individual success for team glory.

Eastman said: “It’s really nice to keep racking up the games.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and hopefully I can get 400 one day.

“I’m proud to have played so many games for Colchester, especially as I’m a local boy from just round the corner.

“Every boy likes to play for his home-town club and it’s really pleasing for me and my family – my little boy especially loves coming to watch me play.

“I’ve really enjoyed the 300 games and long may it continue.

“I’ve had a few personal awards like the Player of the Year but I’d trade all of them for promotions and great cup runs.

“If I can play higher with Colchester United, that would be ideal.”

Eastman has been in outstanding form for Colchester this season, helping them currently boast the third-best defensive record in League Two.

The reliable centre-back is hoping to help the U’s move into the play-off positions this weekend with victory at his former club.

“I think it’s probably right up there with the best I’ve been playing since I’ve been here but it’s all about the team, at the end of the day,” said the former Ipswich Town defender.

“If I can help us keep the clean sheets and chip in with the odd goal to help us get the three points, that’s the important thing.

“I played five or six games there, a few years back.

“I think it was my first year I was here and I enjoyed my time there, even though it was only short.

“Crawley have had a really good start – they haven’t done as well over the last few games but they are a really dangerous team.

“Last season, we went there, went down to ten men and ended up losing.

“They’re a tough side to play but hopefully we can go there and get the win.”

Colchester’s game at Crawley tomorrow is the first of two meetings in quick succession between the two clubs, this month.

The U’s travel to Broadfield Stadium again on October 29 when they take on the Reds in their Carabao Cup fourth-round tie – but Eastman insists no-one is thinking about the cup clash at the moment.

Eastman added: “We take it one game at a time – we want to get three points on Saturday and then it’s on to Morecambe.

“We don’t look too far ahead of ourselves and I think that’s the way to do it.”