Matthew Etherington believes his confidence and form have returned - even if he finds England talk embarrassing. The flying Stoke City winger has got his old zip back from the days at West Ham United, when he was considered an international prospect.

But now the-28 year-old, who will be facing Portsmouth tomorrow, is just content to have found a new lease of life since his move to the Potters. However, he is at least prepared to discuss England, even if he believes there is still a long way to go.

"It is every player's ambition to play for their country and I am no different," he said. "But personally, I think that is a bit far away for me to genuinely think about.

It is every player's ambition to play for their country and I am no different. But I think that is a bit far away for me to genuinely think about.
Stoke City's Matthew Etherington on talk of an England call-up

"I know for a fact there have been times when I have been close when my form had been good at West Ham. But I don't want to talk myself up for England. I think I could look a bit stupid, because there is a lot of quality in my position."

Confidence
Etherington is just content to be back in the groove, having fallen from favour at the Hammers before being rescued by Stoke manager Tony Pulis in January. The Cornwall-born player, who has scored three goals in his last seven games, reckons he is in his best form since he was playing regularly at West Ham.

And Etherington says he is producing consistent performances after proving he can last the distance in games. "I have played a lot of 90-minute matches lately, which has helped with my fitness and made me feel stronger," he explained.

"Before, when my form wasn't as good, the manager was bringing me off after 60 or 70 minutes. Also, I feel very confident at the minute and scoring a couple of goals has helped."

Etherington scored a cracker in Stoke's last game, a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Hull City. "For the goal at Hull, I probably would have squared the ball had my confidence not been so high, but because I am feeling good about myself, shooting was really the only thing on my mind," he said.

"Now it's down to me to keep working hard in training and keep myself in the best shape possible. I think I can perform like this every week."

Etherington's more immediate priority is the visit of Portsmouth to the Britannia Stadium, where Stoke will be without suspended defender Abdoulaye Faye. Republic of Ireland internationals Liam Lawrence and Glenn Whelan, who has a groin injury, will also be assessed by Pulis.

"I am sure the manager will have us fired up, but I don't think we will need much firing up anyway. This is a big game for us," concluded Etherington.