Etherington concentrating on Stoke form and ignoring England ambitions

Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington is pleased with his current form but is reluctant to consider an England call-up.

He is happy with his present form and believes an improvement in his fitness level has contributed to his eye-catching performances.

"I have played a lot of 90 minutes lately, which has helped with my fitness and made me feel stronger," Etherington told The Sentinel.

"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. 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."

The 28-year-old was tipped for international honours earlier in his career, but Etherington does not believe a call from England coach Fabio Capello is imminent.

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

"I know for a fact there have been times when I have been close when my form has 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."