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. With his gambling addiction addressed, Etherington, 28, has been tipped for an England call-up by Stoke boss Tony Pulis. Etherington scored his third League goal of the season with a magical touch from his left boot midway through the second half. England call-up? Pulis says Etherington should be considered by Fabio Capello He also played a part in the opening two goals - Danny Higginbotham's volley and Mamady Sidibe's bundled finish. 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. '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.' 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. 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. 'The first one was very harsh indeed,' bemoaned Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce.' 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

Source: Daily_Mail