DANIEL Bentley will be reunited with a familiar face when he returns to Arsenal with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

Bentley was with Southend United at the same time that current Arsenal academy goalkeeping coach Reece Ottley was working with the Shrimpers’ young shot-stoppers.

But the duo’s friendship started long before their time together with the Shrimpers as they lined up in the same Sunday League side.

And it was an Ottley family holiday which first gave Bentley his big break.

“Not too many people know this but I’ve known Dan since he was 12,” said Ottley.

“We played in the same Sunday League team together called Hutton Medway.

“I was the goalkeeper and he was centre-half so our relationship goes back a long way.

“He actually got scouted in a game when they were there to watch me play but I was on a family holiday.

“I know his dad was a goalkeeper so Dan had an interest in playing there and his dad was always keen for him to do so as well.

“But in my absence he went in goal and got scouted by Arsenal - I think it was so that was his first big break!”

Bentley was signed by the Gunners before being released and serving his youth team scholarship with the Shrimpers where Ottley was again able to see the progress the shot-stopper was making.

“During Dan’s time at Southend I was the academy goalkeeper coach but any opportunity I had to watch the first team train I would take,” said Ottley.

“He’s always had the mentality and work ethic that every day he trained like he was the number two even though he was the number one.

“He was relentless every day at Southend and I’m sure he’s still the same.

“He’s got the physical attributes and he’s worked ever so hard to earn this opportunity.”

Bentley went on to make 160 senior appearances for the Shrimpers before lining up for both Brentford and Bristol City in the Championship.

The 29-year-old then made the step up to the Premier League with Wolves in January.

And Ottley has continued to pay close attention to the custodian’s career.

“Being a friend and having been at the same club I’ve followed Dan’s career closely with Brentford and Bristol City,” said Ottley.

“I was delighted when he got his big move to the Premier League too.

“It’s been 10 years in the making and there have been hundreds of appearances in League Two, League One and then the Championship.

“But he’s got his move - and I knew he would go in and take his opportunity if he got one.

“It’s fantastic for him, and to make his debut at Old Trafford, where he played really well, was brilliant.”

However, it was not just Bentley who shone between the sticks after coming through the ranks with the Shrimpers.

And Ottley still feels Bentley was responsible for those aiming to follow in his footsteps.

“We always spoke about Dan as the catalyst and role model,” said Ottley.

“During my time at the club we would always reference Dan and say about getting games under your belt because if you’re good enough you’re old enough.

“The club will give you an opportunity if you deserve it. Then you have to take it.

“Nathan Bishop went on to Man United and George Murray-Jones is a second year scholar doing really well at Man City now too.

“Hopefully Collin (Andeng Ndi) can kick on as well, establish himself at Southend, and see where it takes him beyond that.”

But Ottley has also moved on to the Premier League and is enjoying his role with Arsenal where he is head of under 12 to under 16 goalkeeping.

“It’s going really well,” said Ottley.

“It was a tough decision personally to step away from coaching first team football at Southend where I had a brilliant relationship with the managerial staff and goalkeepers.

“It was difficult but it was a decision that long-term I felt it would be beneficial for my career and development.

“It’s been really enjoyable and we have Terry Mason at the club as well who I’ve known for years so working closely with him helps me develop further and I’m relishing it.”

And Ottley also keeps his eye in at first team level.

“I’ll be at the game on Sunday so hopefully Dan plays,” said Ottley.

“It would actually be the first time I’ve seen him play since the Wembley final with Southend so it would be great to see again.”