SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown cannot wait for the January transfer window to end, so he can keep goalkeeper Daniel Bentley at the club.

The 20-year-old shot stopper was in stunning form in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Chesterfield at Roots Hall as he pulled off a string of fine late saves, including one to keep out a Marc Richards’ penalty.

And Brown hinted that Bentley’s form would soon attract interest from elsewhere.

“When you have a goalkeeper playing like we do you can’t wait for the transfer window to close to be honest,” said Brown.

“I know Ryan Leonard also had a very good game against Chesterfield but for me Daniel Bentley was man of the match.

“Before the game started we saw Kasper Schmeichel earn Leicester City a win at Leeds United in the televised match with some fine saves and Daniel was like him towards the end of our game.

“There was just no way he was going to beaten but hopefully we can keep him here until the end of the season and he can have something on his CV he can always look back and be proud of.”

Wickford based Bentley, who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall, has now kept 11 clean sheets this season and only Oxford United have conceded fewer goals in the whole of League Two this term.

Echosport understands that Blues have not yet received any bids for talented custodian but Brown is certain the youngster is destined for big things in his career.

“Daniel has the ability to go all the way in the game,” said Brown, who had previously backed the shot-stopper to eventually go on and play for England.

“But I just hope that’s with me and nobody else.”

Bentley, a former Bromfords School pupil, has made 43 appearances for the Shrimpers and signed a three year contract at the start of the season.