SOUTHEND United midfielder Mark Bentley is ready to pull on the goalkeeping gloves if Darryl Flahavan is forced to leave the field at fellow strugglers Notts County tomorrow.

With Bart Griemink still injured Flahavan is the Shrimpers' only fit senior custodian.

And Bentley, who has been placed on standby, is confident of producing a solid display between the sticks if called upon.

"I've been doing a bit of goalkeeping work in training and I'm quite good to be honest," said the 26-year-old.

"I know what I'm doing but hopefully I won't be required. I'm sure Darryl will stay in there anyway."

If forced to replace the former Southampton shot-stopper however, Bentley would be bidding for a repeat of his last goalkeeping showing.

"Years ago I went in goal," he recalled. "I can't even remember who I was playing for but I kept a clean sheet -- I know that much!"

Bentley, playing in his more familiar midfield role, headed Blues ahead last Saturday before they allowed table-topping Wycombe Wanderers to win 2-1 at Roots Hall.