Mark Bentley has joined Blue Square Bet Premier side Cambridge United on loan for a month.

The Gillingham midfielder requested a loan move after struggling to force his way into the starting eleven.

Bentley (pictured) has been with the Gills since 2006 and the 33-year-old is out of contract in the summer.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler was reluctant to let the experienced player go but understood his reasoning.

Hessenthaler said: "Mark told me he just wants to play and if the roles were reversed I would do the same thing.

"He is a top lad and gives everything for the club but just wants to play football."

Bentley will be available for Cambridge’s trip to Southport this weekend and will remain with the club until April 9.