Exclusive - Etherington: Stoke are fit enough to fight on all fronts

Matt Etherington is refusing to use Stoke’s commitment to the Europa League as an excuse for their first-half display against Norwich.

The 1-1 draw against the Premier League new boys on Sunday came less than 72 hours after their 1-0 win in Switzerland against FC Thun, but Etherington does not believe a lack of rest or an increase in air miles is responsible for his side’s slow start at Carrow Road.

“It’s brilliant for Stoke City, the fans and for us as players to be playing all over Europe against good sides,” the midfielder said.

“We pride ourselves on being one of the fittest clubs in the league and I know pre-seasons are tough for everyone but we really go through it. Yes we were poor in the first half against Norwich and you can make excuses because of the European trip but we aren’t.”

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has admitted he is looking for up to five new additions to his squad as they compete in four competitions this season and Etherington, instead of fearing for his place, is ready to welcome any new team-mates.

“Some teams dismiss the Europa League and whether they are right or wrong to do that I don’t know. We want to go as far as we can in the competition and the manager has made that perfectly clear," he added.

“But to do that we need to get in a few players and the manager has also said he wants to do that in the next nine days. I think that will give everyone at the club a lift and help us to have more strength and depth to compete in Europe and the Premier League.

“If five is what it takes then fine, it will give everyone a wake-up call which is what we might need.”