Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington has been assured of his future at the Brit.

The 31-year-old winger has started just one Premier League game since Michael Kightly's arrival from Wolves in the summer.

Matty has had a dip in form," Potters boss Tony Pulis told The Sentinel, "and there are lot of reasons why players can lose form.

"But over the past couple of weeks in training he's really looked back to his best and I for one can't wait to get him back into the team.

"Irrespective of what people might be saying, Matty has got a massive future at this football club.

"A fit, dynamic and athletic Matthew Etherington is something we haven't got elsewhere in the squad.

"His ability to run with the ball, let alone his crossing ability and his value at set pieces, has been something crucial to the team over the years."