Tony Pulis has said that Matthew Etherington will undergo a late fitness test ahead of Stoke City's game against Newcastle United this weekend.

The winger missed last weekend's 1-0 loss to West Ham United with a back injury.

The Potters manager told reporters: "We are desperate to get Matty back into the side again, because he is a real important player for us, and he gives us great balance which we have been lacking.

"He has had a problem which has been concerning, but he has had a few injections and has trained with the rest of the lads over the last couple of days.

"It's too early to say whether he will be involved on Sunday. We are obviously hoping that he is, but we will have to wait and see."

Stoke have just one win in their last six games.