Morecambe boss Bentley not surprised McGowan is being tracked

Reports on Thursday suggested that a number of Championship clubs were tracking the 19-year-old who has impressed on both the left and right side of The Shrimps defence this season.

McGowan has started the last eight games in all competitions having come through the ranks at the Globe Arena.

Bentley said: “It’s no surprise at all.

“We’ve got good players at the club. We’re getting more and more scouts coming to watch our games.

“When you’ve got the likes of (Tom) Barkhuizen who is 22, Ryan Edwards is the same age, Aaron McGowan at 19, there’s Paul Mullin and Aaron Wildig is only 23, there will be interest.

“Aaron’s done well and isn’t the finished article but anyone who is a teenager playing at League 2 level is definitely going to be getting looked at by League 1, Championship and maybe even Premiership clubs.

“I don’t know where the story’s come from, it’s certainly not come from the club and all we’re interested in is helping him progress.

“He’s in the team doing well and long may it all continue.”

McGowan initially profited this season from Laurence Wilson’s hamstring injury but has kept his place despite the more experienced man’s return to fitness.