SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley was forced to miss Saturday’s meeting with Accrington Stanley after suffering a slight groin problem.

The shot-stopper, who had started Blues’ last 76 league games, would have struggled with his kicking had he played But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown revealed Bentley could well be back for this weekend’s clash at Stevenage.

“It would’ve been a risk playing Dan because of goal kicks and dealing with back passes but it’s nothing too serious and he could be back at the weekend,” confirmed Brown.

“On average goalkeepers normally kick the ball forward about 50 times and that would probably have resulted in Dan tearing his groin.

“It was a precautionary measure but hopefully he will have a good week and be back in goal next week.

“But if that happens it won’t be a case of dropping Ted Smith for a poor performance it will just be replacing one very good young goalkeeper with another one.”