SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley missed Blues’ 2-1 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge this afternoon following a family bereavement.

Shrimpers fans feared Bentley’s exclusion from the squad signalled his departure from Roots Hall after Hull City’s £1 million bid for the shot-stopper was rejected last week.

But Blues boss Phil Brown confirmed that was not the case and expects to see Bentley back between the sticks against Charlton Athletic at Roots Hall on Tuesday.

“I know people would maybe think Dan not being here today means he might be leaving but that’s putting two and two together and making five,” said Brown.

“We hope to have Dan back in goal on Tuesday night for the Charlton game.”

Echosport understands Bentley was also keen to line up at Victoria Road but was given the weekend off by Brown who instead opted to select Ted Smith.