Gillingham midfielder Mark Bentley has requested a loan move away from the club to get match action.

Bentley (pictured) has played almost 200 games for the Gills since signing for them in the summer of 2006.

The former Southend player has grown frustrated at his lack of opportunities of late and asked manager Andy Hessenthaler to circulate his name to clubs in League 1, 2 and the Blue Square Bet Premier Division.

Bentley signed a one year deal in the summer and has so far made 22 appearances for the Gills this season.

Most recently, however, he has been restricted to the bench and although Hessenthaler was reluctant to let the midfielder go, he understands his position.

Hessenthaler said: “I am reluctant to do it but I also respect Mark’s wishes. He is a tremendous lad - he has a tremendous attitude.

“He is at a stage in his career where he doesn’t want to be sitting around.

“He wants to play games and I appreciate that. He also appreciates that the boys in the team have been playing well and I think he just need to get out and play.

“He is also mindful of next season, he’s not sure whether he will be here or whatever. Going out might also put him in the shop window for someone else if he isn’t going to get offered anything here.”

Bentley played over 100 games for Southend before joining the Gills and previously appeared for Dagenham, Gravesend, Aldershot and Enfield.

He turned 33 in January and Hessenthaler knows footballers have to think about themselves sometimes.

He said: “Mark is at an age where sitting on the bench is not beneficial to him. I have to say he is right and he needs to play games, that’s why I understand what he’s done.

“Football can change very quickly and we’ll see where we go from here.”

The club as yet have received no offers.