SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has warned goalkeeper Daniel Bentley he will not start against Carlisle on Saturday unless he is fully fit.

Bentley is currently suffering with a groin injury and was not able to take goal-kicks in last Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Stevenage.

But Brown will not allow that to happen again this weekend.

“I’ve told Dan he will only start against Carlisle this weekend if he’s 100 per cent fit and able to take goal-kicks again,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“Dan actually felt his groin in the warm up at Stevenage and it was his strength of character that got him through the game.

“But he felt it again after his first kick and Cian Bolger had to take over the kicking responsibilities.

“He did a magnificent job with that but for me it changes the game and it changes the psychology of the opposition too.

“They’re immediately boosted by knowing there’s a problem with Dan Bentley and I won’t allow that to happen this weekend, especially when I have every confidence in Ted and Paul Smith who we have available to replace him.”

Brown will therefore be keeping a watchful eye on Bentley in training for the rest of the week before making a decision of his fitness for Saturday’s clash with the Cumbrians at Roots Hall.

However, Brown is hopeful his number one will be able to stay in the side.

“We will be speaking with Dan and watching him closely but he’s started the week on the front foot,” said the 55-year-old.

“We’re hopeful of him training today and tomorrow ahead of the game and then being available to play against Carlisle.

“But we won’t be taking any risks and he will be tested fully before we make the decision on whether or not he can play.”