Source: Daily_Mail
Stoke 3 Blackburn 0: Etherington's magic is worth an England gamble
Matthew Etherington admits he is a massive outsider in the World Cup stakes, not that he would be tempted to have a flutter on his chances these days. [LNB]With his gambling addiction addressed, Etherington, 28, has been tipped for an England call-up by Stoke boss Tony Pulis. [LNB]Etherington scored his third League goal of the season with a magical touch from his left boot midway through the second half.[LNB] England call-up? Pulis says Etherington should be considered by Fabio Capello [LNB] He also played a part in the opening two goals - Danny Higginbotham's volley and Mamady Sidibe's bundled finish. [LNB]Etherington, whose set-piece deliveries also caused havoc, said:'I'm not going to get my hopes up. I'm not going to get above myself.If I keep doing well for Stoke City, who knows? But I think it's a bitof a long shot. [LNB]'I will be the first to admit that I made mistakes about gambling.Since I stopped all that, my form has been good. I'm happy in my careerand my personal life.' [LNB]Pulis reckons Etherington would have a better chance at a morefashionable club - but wouldn't be surprised if Fabio Capello took agamble by picking him. [LNB]Blackburn rued Christopher Samba's exit on the hour for a secondpetty caution, after he was booked for tangling with Ryan Shawcross inthe first half. [LNB]'The first one was very harsh indeed,' bemoaned Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce.'[LNB] Blackburn fan dies in hospital after collapsing during defeat at Stoke CityEtherington given pay rise by Stoke to combat £800,000 gambling debtsSTOKE CITY FC
