A planning inspector has ruled that the Southend player Freddy Eastwood can remain in his mobile home.

The striker, 23, was facing eviction from the property in Wickford, Essex, because Basildon Council said it was built on green belt land without planning permission. A council spokesman said yesterday that a planning inspector had ruled that the mobile home could stay where it was until an alternative site was found.

Eastwood, who has Romany roots, scored the goal that knocked Manchester United out of the Carling Cup at Roots Hall on Tuesday.