MERVYN Cawston is backing Southend United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley to equal his club record of 10 successive home clean sheets this weekend.

Bentley can work himself in to the Roots Hall record books if he stops Tranmere Rovers scoring tomorrow.

And Cawston, a long term friend of the Bentley family, has been in contact with the young shot-stopper ahead of the game.

“I’ve been texting Daniel and I’ve wished him all the very best for the Tranmere game this weekend, “said Cawston, who made 242 appearances for Blues.

“I’ve actually known Daniel for quite some time too as I’m good friends with his father, Ian.

“After football I was working in financial services which is what Ian does and that’s how I got to know him.

“He told me I was his hero when he was a kid and I’m probably still his hero now to be honest but it’s great to see Daniel doing so well.

“For him to have gone so long without conceding a goal shows how good his concentration levels are and he’s what I would describe as a proper goalkeeper too.

“I’m sure he can get another clean sheet this weekend and if he does then I’ll certainly take my hat off to him.”

Bentley has not conceded a goal since October when Craig Jones headed home a second half equaliser for Bury.

And Cawston feels Bentley should be proud of his record between the sticks at Roots Hall.

“Goalkeepers are always too modest about their achievements,” said the 63-year-old.

“When a striker scores 20 or 30 goals a season they like to take all the glory but goalkeepers aren’t like that.

“For Daniel to get nine clean sheets in a row is fantastic. It’s certainly not been done through luck but it’s probably only members of the goalkeeping union who really understand how much that takes to achieve.”

Cawston now works in property management in Norwich and first saw the youngster in action against the Canaries four seasons ago in a youth team clash.

He has since keep tabs on Bentley’s progress and has been thrilled to see him lining up in the first team.

“Three or four years ago I went to watch Daniel with Ian when he was playing just down the road and next thing you knew he was in the first team,” said Cawston.

“I’m really pleased for him and his family and I’m sure it won’t be long before somebody comes along and snaps him up.”

Cawston should also be able to spot a top goalkeeper too after enjoying a great career himself between the sticks.

The shot-stopper secured his 10 successive home clean sheets during a memorable 1980/81 season which saw the Shrimpers clinch the Division Four title.

Cawston conceded just six league goals in 23 outings at Roots Hall and holds happy memories from time with the club.

“I loved it at Southend and that team we had all got on well which made it really enjoyable,” said the former custodian.

“When Dave Smith left as manager it went downhill a bit but it was a nice club to be at and I’m proud of what we achieved.

“I still keep an eye on their results and it would be great for them to get promotion this season, with a few more clean sheets from Daniel of course.”

IAN BENTLEY HOPING SON DANIEL CAN MAKE IT 10 IN A ROW AT ROOTS HALL

IAN Bentley will be at Roots Hall tomorrow hoping to see his son Daniel equal the club’s clean sheet record currently held by his close friend Mervyn Cawston.

Daniel has secured nine successive shut outs in home games for the Shrimpers.

And his dad would love to see him reach double figures.

“I’ve had some good banter with Swervo (Mervyn Cawston) recently about the clean sheet record so to see Dan equal it would be fantastic,” said Ian.

“But for him to go on and beat it would be even better.”

Ian has been with friends with Cawston for more than 30 years.

And the duo even trained together when they were younger.

"Swervo and I go way back to before I turned pro in 1983,” said Ian.

“Even when we've trained together it's always been a competition about the best shape, the best save or the fewest conceded.

“Swervo also likes to think he's my hero but secretly I think it's the other way round and if Dan beats that record I'm sure he'll be Swervo's hero instead of me.

“But the most important thing is that Dan keeps developing as a player and works hard to constantly improve."