SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley confirmed his return to fitness by playing the full 90 minutes in a behind closed doors clash at Roots Hall yesterday.

Bentley has missed Blues’ last three games with a groin problem.

But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown was delighted to see the shot-stopper last the 90 minutes.

“We had a game among ourselves at Roots Hall and Daniel came through the 90 minutes which was great,” said Brown.

“Providing he suffers no reaction then he will be back in contention for Saturday’s game.”

Gary Deegan, Adam Barrett, Cian Bolger, Jerome Binnom-Williams and Myles Weston also featured in the game.

However, midfielder Will Atkinson did not figure and remains a doubt for the weekend with the shoulder injury which forced him to miss last weekend's 2-2 draw with Wycombe Wanderers.