Southend United midfielder Mark Bentley is relishing the prospect of returning to the Shrimpers starting line-up for this evening's clash with York City at Roots Hall.

Pain game - physio John Stannard tends to Jay Smith at Mansfield on Saturday Picture: LUAN MARSHALL VCF7T3

The 26-year-old is expected to replace the injured Jay Smith in the centre of the park as Steve Tilson's side bid to bounce back against the play-off pushing Minstermen.

"Hopefully I'll be given another chance to start tonight and I can show what I can do," said Bentley.

"I enjoyed playing the 90 minutes against Doncaster on my debut. I thought I did alright and I want to try and become a regular in the side now."

Published Tuesday January 27, 2004

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