Positive news for Etherington

Stoke are hopeful key midfielder Matthew Etherington could return to action within weeks.

Etherington suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester City but a scan has revealed no serious ligament damage.

Manager Tony Pulis told the club’s website, www.stokecityfc.com: “The news is as good as it could be at this stage.

“If the cruciate ligament had been damaged then it would have been a long lay-off, but we’re now hoping that he will be back in action sooner rather than later.”

Stoke will now allow the injury to settle down before determining the exact length of the 28-year-old’s absence.