SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley insists he is ready to stay between the sticks if required at Barnet on Tuesday night.

The 18-year-old shot-stopper made his Blues debut after replacing the injured Glenn Morris in goal midway through the second half against Torquay United on Saturday.

And Bentley is now confident he could also cope with the Bees, if selected by manager Paul Sturrock.

“I have confidence in my ability and if the gaffer gives me the nod for Tuesday then I'll definitely be ready,” said Bentley, from Wickford.

“I'm not sure of the extent of Glenn's injury and I hope it's nothing too serious.

“But I was delighted to play against Torquay and I would be again if I got to play at Barnet.”

Bentley, who has been a regular on the bench for Blues this season, has been with the club for the past three seasons after working his way up through the youth system.

And he was thrilled to finally get a chance to play.

“I've been on the bench a number of times and I've been getting to the point where I've really been wanting to play,” said Bentley.

“I noticed Glenn was struggling with an injury and he wasn't taking his goal kicks so I warmed up for a little while and when I did get to go on it was a real buzz.

“I was nervous as well but it would be wrong if I wasn't.

“I wasn't worried or in doubt about what to do but it was a shame I let in a goal while I was on.”

Bentley was beaten by a Lee Mansell shot which deflected in off Mark Ellis in the 77th minute.

But he must now wait and see what Sturrock decides to do before Tuesday's trip to Barnet.

“I think Glenn's injury is a pretty bad one so it's certainly something for me to mull over,” said the Blues boss.

“We can't carry on with just one goalkeeper so I will talk to the powers that be about maybe bringing someone in.

“However, Daniel looked competent when he came on and had no chance with the goal he let in.”