DANIEL Bentley reached 50 clean sheets for Southend United in record time after helping the Shrimpers secure a 0-0 draw against Wigan Athletic at Roots Hall on Saturday.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper completed his half century in his 136th game for the club.

But Bentley was keen for the accolade to be shared.

"For someone of my age to have made that milestone is good but there's a lot of hard work from the team that has gone into it and I'm not going to take all the credit," said the Wickford based Bentley.

"It's not something that's an everyday occurrence so it does make it special to have got to 50, especially as this is not a clean sheet league.

"Teams at this level are capable of scoring goals and we've had to work harder this year than last to get clean sheets but I'm happy to have reached this landmark.

"I just wish it could have helped us get the three points."

Bentley's 50th clean sheet came five games quicker than the previous club best, set by Mervyn Cawston more than 30 years ago.

He also reached the landmark 17 matches before current England international Joe Hart did at the start of his career.

And Blues boss Phil Brown believes Bentley will also go on to play at a higher level, similar to ex Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen who lined up for Wigan at the weekend.

"Jussi has had a top, top career and is still playing very well now but I'm sure Daniel Bentley will go on to reach the same kind of level," said Brown.

"Daniel is 22 so for him to have 50 clean sheets already is a fantastic achievement and it meant he got an even bigger hug from me than normal after the game.

"When I was at Bolton, Jussi was one of the best goalkeepers in the country.

"We had to fend off interest from Arsenal and Manchester United at one point and I do believe Dan will get to that level too.

"I told him to analyse what Jussi did because he's a calming influence on his defenders and it was a really nice touch for him to give Daniel his shirt at the end of the game."

BLUES' TOP FIVE TO GET TO 50 CLEAN SHEETS

1. Daniel Bentley, 136 games

2. Mervyn Cawston, 141 games

3. Trevor Roberts, 165 games

4. Paul Sansome, 188 games

5. Darryl Flahavan, 202 games