Mark Bentley played a pivotal role in Gillingham's midfield during the 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Tuesday night and manager Mark Stimson believes he'll now take some shifting.

Bentley had played the previous three pre-season games in central defence but a less than impressive showing at Grays, coupled with Kevin Maher's decision to join Oldham, left Stimson to make a re-think.

"He rolled back the years for me and I thought some of his football and running was a pleasure to see," said Stimson.

"He and Andrew Crofts did well against a midfield three of Ipswich who showed plenty of movement and quality.

"Benno is a good lad. I told him I would look to play him in centred midfield against Ipswich. He said he wanted to play and didn't care where. He's gone back and put in a good shift and it will take someone to move him from that."