Tom Eastman is destined to play at the top level – so insists Colchester United team-mate, George Moncur.

East Anglian Daily Times: George Moncur fires home the goal that keeps the U's in League One, against Preston. He has nothing but praise for his defensive team-mate, Tom EastmanGeorge Moncur fires home the goal that keeps the U's in League One, against Preston. He has nothing but praise for his defensive team-mate, Tom Eastman (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Eastman completed a perfect record, for 2014-15, when again starring at the back in Sunday’s crunch 1-0 home win over Preston North End, which ensured a dramatic last ditch escape from relegation.

The ex-Ipswich Town defender played in every minute of every game during the campaign, and rarely put a foot wrong, despite the U’s struggling towards the foot of the division, and also having to cope with a flurry of different defensive partners.

Eastman’s role was not lost on Moncur, even though it was the latter who safeguarded the U’s League One status with his 82nd minute winning goal against the Lilywhites.

“All credit to the boys at the back,” enthused Moncur.

“I thought they defended brilliantly, especially Tom Eastman.

“I thought Tom blocked everything, he was like a brick-wall. In fact, he was different class.

“Tom is quality, and I’d say he has got the best technique that I’ve ever seen from a centre-half.

“He’s got the ability to spray the ball everywhere, and he has the defensive skills needed to go to the very top,” added Moncur.

Eastman had a remarkable 11 central defensive partners during the season, due to a spate of injuries and a succession of loan recruits. But he never let that affect him.

During the season – he played every second of the U’s 51 league and cup games – Eastman played alongside Magnus Okuonghae, Frankie Kent, Sean Clohessy, Alex Gilbey, David Wright, Will Packwood, Alex Wynter, Jamie Harney, Kaspars Gorkss, Karleigh Osborne and Bongani Khumalo.