Matthew Etherington happy to drop down to the Championship this summer

Matthew Etherington has revealed that he is prepared to join a Championship club when he leaves Stoke City this summer.

The 32-year-old winger, who has spent the past five years at the Britannia Stadium, is approaching the end of his contract with the Potters.

Despite admitting that he would prefer to play in the Premier League, Etherington has no problems dropping down a division.

"I don't want to rush my decision," he told talkSPORT. "I've got a few options I will take stock of and we'll see what happens in the next few weeks.

"I'm happy to play in the Championship if that's what comes about but I want to stay in the Premier League. Once you go out it's very hard to get back.

"The Championship is another great division, very competitive, and I will go there happily if that's what happens."

Etherington made 12 appearances in all competitions for Stoke during the 2013-14 campaign.