MATTHEW Etherington has vowed to prove his Stoke City form is no flash in the pan.

The 28-year-old winger, 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 12 months ago.

Etherington, who cost Stoke £2m from the Hammers in January, says he is producing consistent performances after proving he can last the distance in games.

He said: "I have played a lot of 90 minutes lately, which has helped with my fitness and made me feel stronger.

"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.

"For the goal at Hull, I probably would have squared it had my confidence not been so high, but because I am feeling good about myself, shooting was really the only thing on my mind.

"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, pictured below, made his league debut for Peterborough aged just 15 after the club received permission for him to miss school.

His potential was recognised when he represented England at under-16, under-18, under-20 and under-21 level. But he has played down his chances of being selected for his country at senior level.

He said: "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."

Etherington's more immediate priority is Sunday's visit of Portsmouth.

The winger says the players are eager to make amends after the last two games in which they have lost 2-1 at Hull and blown a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at home to Wolves.

He said: "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."