Matthew Etherington vows to "step up"

Matthew Etherington has claimed that he needs to improve on his performance in order to help push Stoke City up the Premier League table.

The 30-year-old winger has been self-critical over his recent form, but believes that he has the ability to "step up to the mark" in the Potters' upcoming fixtures.

"I will be the first to ­admit my form has not been as good as the last two seasons," the Daily Star quotes Etherington as saying.

"I have had some indifferent ­performances, where I haven't done ­myself ­justice, and I have had some good ­performances. But hopefully now, with some big games coming up, I can step up to the mark and put in some big displays."

Tony Pulis's side travel to Craven Cottage for a clash with Fulham on Saturday.