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.

Written by
Danielle Joynson