Matthew Etherington urges Stoke City to make move for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole

Stoke City midfielder Matthew Etherington has urged manager Tony Pulis to step up his interest in West Ham United striker Carlton Cole.

"Given the ideas the manager has and the way the club want to push forward, I'd definitely recommend it."

Etherington, who describes Cole as "one of the best strikers in the Premier League on his day," has advised his former team-mate not to let the bright lights of London affect his decision to move to Stoke, should the opportunity arise.

"Coley is a London boy, he's got a young kid and is settled down there, but he has been this way before on loan at Aston Villa and Wolves.

"It wouldn't be a problem for him living up here, just as it hasn't been for me.

"I would tell him it was the best move I could have made. It has helped me no end in pushing my career on," Etherington continued.

"I have been in touch with him this summer by text, just more or less to say 'How are you?' He's one of those who's a bit elusive is Coley.

"When Gianfranco Zola came in as manager, he gave him a lot of confidence and it got him his England call-ups.

"He's one of those players you've got to put an arm around and tell him how good he is to give him confidence.

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