6th March 2015

Four years ago, Craig Eastmond started for Arsenal in a UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Today, he will line up for the Glovers in a comparatively less illustrious league one tie against Oldham Athletic.

However, Eastmond still realises the significance of every game as he tries to help Yeovil avoid the relegation trap door.

He said “every game is very important.”

Primarily a central midfielder, the 24-year-old has also be known to fill in at right-back, though he feels most comfortable playing in the middle of the park

“I prefer to play central midfield” Eastmond confirmed.

Signing with Championship side Millwall aged eight, Eastmond moved across the capital to local rivals Arsenal three years later.

Completing the youth double of the Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup in 2009, he admits that his time with the Gunners helped change him from a boy to a man.

Eastmond made a total of nine first-team appearances for the Premiership giants between 2009 and 2010 before going out on loan to a number of lower league clubs, eventually joining Colchester United on a permanent basis in May 2013.

Despite being a regular during his first season for the U’s, the London-born player found opportunities this campaign harder to come by, making just 12 appearances.

His only goal of the season so far came against the Glovers in a one-nil win in December but, despite now playing for the opposition, he believes it is something you have to take in your stride as a footballer.

He said “yes but these things happen.”

Yeovil are set to play Colchester United in Essex in mid-March and with both teams currently scrapping at the bottom of the table, this game could turn into a relegation six-pointer.

However, Eastmond reassures Glovers fans that he will not have mixed emotions on the day and that he is completely focused on helping Terry Skiverton’s men gain what could be a vital three points.

Asked whether he has faith in the current squad to secure their league status for another year, Eastmond replied “Yeah definitely because we have got a lot of potential and talent.”

Although it always takes time for new players to settle in, Eastmond believes that knowing some of his teammates from earlier on in his career will help him to fit in.

“I know a few of the players from previous clubs” he said. “It always helps when you know people at the club already.”

The midfielder is only on a short-term contract until the end of the campaign and has not yet considered his long-term future. However, he believes that he can still play a part in Yeovil’s season.

“I would like to get a run of games and achieve for the club” Eastmond admitted.