New deal on cards for Etherington

Matty Etherington is delighted with his current form for Stoke and is expected to sign a new contract before the end of the season.

The winger's impressive displays this season for the Potters have earned him rave reviews and boss Tony Pulis is believed to be ready to offer him a new contract to ensure he stays at the Britannia Stadium.

The former West Ham star has again spoke publicly about the gambling addiction that he has battled to overcome and he insists he is now over them and is just concentrating on his football.

"I'm happy with my form and happy at the football club," Etherington said in the Sentinel.

"The manager has been brilliant with me and I'm very happy in my personal life. There's been stuff written in the press about gambling, but that's behind me now.

"It was a part of my life that took my focus off football, but I've put that behind me now.

"I will keep on top of it and make sure I won't bet again. Since I stopped all that, my form has been really good and I'm keeping focused on that.

"I'll be the first to admit I made mistakes. It was a silly part of my life and got out of control, but that's in the past."

He added: "My form now has got to be up there with the best of my career."