Mark Bentley has been thrown a Gillingham lifeline by manager Andy Hessenthaler and the midfielder is determined to make the most of his chance.

The 33-year-old felt his time at Priestfield was over after dropping into non-league to play on loan at Cambridge in March, but on Monday he was a star performer, as the Gills picked up a vital win against Rotherham.

“If I am honest I thought my time was done,” said the midfielder (pictured against Rotherham).

“It has been really tough for me over the last few months but I have kept my head together and gone out on loan to get myself fit.

“Cambridge gave me that opportunity and I had six 90 minutes while I was there so I was going to be fresh on my return and I think I’ve looked sharp in training.”

With his experience and passion he was the ideal man for Hessenthaler to turn to when he needed a result at Rotherham.

“Hopefully I have now answered a question to the gaffer,” he said.

“I might have even surprised a few players by getting in the team but I have been here five years and I don’t want it to end the way it has been over the last few months.

“I have been determined and hopefully I have shown the manager I still want to be part of this football club. It’s down to me to do that for the next few games.”