Tom Eastman knows he cannot rest on his laurels if he wants to replicate his fine form of last season.

Eastman played 39 senior games last term, mainly alongside Magnus Okuonghae at the back, as Colchester United’s solid defence ultimately kept them in League One.

But the ex-Ipswich Town defender looks like having rivalry for the centre-half berth, following Josh Thompson’s return from long-term injury and Frankie Kent’s successful emergence from the Academy.

Eastman is set to play against his old club, Ipswich, in tomorrow night’s pre-season friendly at the Weston Homes Community Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

“Josh (Thompson) is back fit. He had a quiet season last year, but will now be looking to bounce straight back into the team for this season,” explained Eastman.

“Frankie (Kent) played the last game of last season (at Walsall) and did really well, and he has done well in the first few pre-season games. So I can’t take anything for granted.

“I managed to play most of last season, so hopefully I will try and do the same again.

“I thought we were pretty solid and tight at the back last season, and it’s also exciting that the strikers are already looking quick and strong as well.

“So it’s looking promising up front, as well as in defence,” added Eastman.

Ex-Ipswich Town full-back David Wright is another expected to feature against his old club tomorrow, in a midfield role.