SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley has revealed he has turned down the Shrimpers offer of a new contract.

Blues opted to reject an offer of £1.25million from Queens Park Rangers for the highly rated shot-stopper last month.

But Bentley remains frustrated not to have been given the opportunity to play at a higher level.

And the 22-year-old does not feel extending his contract, which expires at the end of the season, is currently a viable option

“I’ve turned down a very good offer from the club and I don’t think extending is an option at the moment,” said the Wickford based Bentley.

“Everyone knows I’m ambitious and want to play at a higher level if or when possible.

“But, at the same time, I’m enjoying the challenge of League One.

“We want to do well as a group and I’ll continue to give my all for the remainder of my contract and every time I put on the shirt.”

Bentley, who came through the youth system at Roots Hall, was voted Blues’ player of the year last season as Phil Brown’s side secured promotion via the League Two play-offs.

The former Bromfords School pupil saved two spot-kicks in the Shrimpers’ dramatic penalty shoot out success in the final against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

But Bentley’s performances attracted interest from Hull City and bids from Queens Park Rangers which were rejected by Blues during an uncertain time for the goalkeeper.

“It’s been different but as a professional you have to focus on what you do on the pitch.

“The window is shut now so I know where I stand for the foreseeable future but you would have to ask the chairman how close I was to leaving.

“He would have his valuation and if someone doesn’t meet that that’s his call.

“But it’s disappointing for me because I want to play at the highest level possible and he and the manager both know that.”

However, despite a desire to move on, Bentley has not let his standards slip between the sticks.

The shot-stopper was again in fine form during a 2-2 draw at Coventry City on Monday night.

And Bentley is desperate to keep on impressing.

“I have a job to do for Southend and will always do it to the best of my ability regardless of what's happening off the pitch,” said Bentley.

“If my standards drop then so does any interest in me going forward in terms of playing at a higher level.

“League One is a new challenge for us all, including me and we want to do as well as possible in it.”

Blues have started the season slowly and head into tomorrow’s clash against Peterborough United still looking for their first win of the new campaign.

But Bentley remains confident of turning things around.

“Personally I think I have started the season well but as a team it has been slightly indifferent,” said the shot-stopper.

“It’s a new challenge for many of us though so maybe we are just finding our feet and getting a feel for a new league after too long in the league below.

“It's not the start we had all hoped for but we are working hard to try and get results in which we have the personnel to achieve.”