Defender Tom Eastman is relishing the opportunity to continue his footballing education at Crawley.

The 19-year-old agreed an extension to his loan deal from Colchester United yesterday which will keep him at the Broadfield Stadium until November 12.

It means the centre-back will be available for a further six games and will enable him to develop his impressive partnership with Claude Davis.

Reds have conceded just one goal in the four games the pair have played in together and Eastman admits he has learned a lot from the former Derby County, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace man.

Eastman, who turns 20 next week, said: “It’s great playing with Claude. He is always telling me ways I can improve my game and if I do something slightly wrong he will suggest what I could do differently.

“Northampton had a big lad up front (Adebayo Akinfenwa) last week and Claude told me not to fight with him and try to win the physical battle but to pinch the ball off him instead.

“I really feel my game has improved during my time at Crawley and I’m sure that will continue to be the case.”

Eastman arrived in the middle of a defensive injury crisis at Crawley which included last season’s first choice central defensive pairing Kyle McFadzean and skipper Pablo Mills.

McFadzean is now fully fit again while Mills is close to a comeback after seven months out with an ankle injury after coming through his second reserve team match this week.

Eastman added: “Pablo is coming back and will he pushing for a place in the team so there is going to be good competition for places. I don’t mind that, though, as it keeps you on your toes.”

The announcement that Eastman would be staying came on a busy day at Broadfield Stadium with three players going in the other direction.

Boss Steve Evans decided against extending Scott Griffiths’ loan from Peterborough United while fellow defenders Charlie Wassmer and Glenn Wilson have joined Fleetwood Town on a temporary basis until January 14.

Evans had stated he was keen to keep Griffiths after the 1-0 victory at Northampton on Saturday but the return to fitness of Dean Howell meant he felt able to let him leave with the caveat that the left-back could be brought back if required.

The versatile Wilson has started just one game this season, in the JP Trophy, while centre-back Wassmer has not featured in the last four games and was heavily criticised by Evans in the aftermath of the 6-0 defeat at Morecambe.

Evans said: “Scott has done a tremendous job in his time here but I discussed the situation with the club owners at length and decided it was prudent to let him return to Peterborough.

“Charlie and Glenn need game time at first team level and they will get that with this move. We will monitor their performances and I can state here now that both will be coming back and have a big future at Crawley.”