Mark Bentley's loan spell at Cambridge United ends at the weekend and Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler must decide whether to let him stay or call him back.

Bentley (pictured) has made a favourable impression with the Us since signing on loan with the Blue Square Premier club in mid-March.

He has started all five games and his involvement has coincided with a five-game unbeaten run for the club.

Hessenthaler was reluctant to let Bentley go in the first place but acquiesced to the player’s wishes after he grew frustrated at a lack of first team action.

“He is enjoying it there and he has been playing which is the key,” said Hessenthaler.

“I will have a chat with Mark, see what he is thinking and what I am thinking. It might be the case that we bring him back until the end of the season, or we respect his wishes that he wants to carry on playing games rather than being on the bench for us.

“It might be the case that he comes back and gets an opportunity if we freshen things up. We will give it some thought.”

Dennis Oli’s midweek reserve injury could leave the Gills short for options on the right and that may play some part in Hessenthaler’s decision.

Cambridge boss Jez George has certainly been impressed with their loan recruit.

Talking to the Cambridge News, he said: “He’s a good player with a big physical presence on the pitch and he has helped the young lads along.

“He’s a good organiser and just gives us that bit of composure, as well as putting his foot in and breaking things up.

“He has been really important for us.”

Gillingham could extend the loan for a second month and would be entitled to insert a 24-hour call-back option in the deal.