CANVEY Island manager Mark Bentley is backing former Southend United defender Dan Humphreys to work his way back up the football ladder.

The right-back, who was released by the Shrimpers at the end of the 2018/19 season, has impressed since joining the Gulls shortly after his departure from Roots Hall.

And Bentley feels the youngster has the talent to get back into the professional game.

“Dan is a player and it’s about getting him focused,” said Bentley following the Gulls’ 3-0 defeat to Boreham Wood in the second round of the FA Cup.

“He came in last year and he’s such a good lad.

“I see so much in him and he’s smashed someone right at the end there which I love but I thought he was exceptional.

“I’m desperate to keep hold of him but he’s desperate to get back up there and I think he can do it.

“He needs to come out of his shell a little bit but he’s one who has maybe slipped through the net.

“Hopefully he can keep moving forward and can move back up the levels too.”