TONY PULIS has paid tribute to Matthew Etherington after an inspired performance from the winger helped Stoke City record their best-ever Premier League victory over Blackburn Rovers at the Britannia Stadium.

The former West Ham man made two and scored one as the Potters extended their unbeaten run to six games on a day which was seeing the club remember former great Sir Stanley Matthews.

"Matthew was absolutely outstanding today and I am delighted because as a winger there was no better game for him to play so well in than today," City's manager stokecityfc.com.

"He has been a fantastic player for us and he keeps on getting better and better. I have been banging on the drum about him playing for England for a while now and I think everyone saw why that is today.

"He has everything in the locker. He has pace, he has skill and his work rate is absolutely phenomenal. I'm sure Sir Stan will be looking down at us today with a wry smile on his face, and rightly so."

The victory elevated the Potters above Blackburn into eleventh place in the Premier League, and while Pulis couldn't hide his delight, he reiterated how important it is to reach the 40-point mark as soon as possible.

He adds: "It's great for us to be on this run, but we have to keep our feet on the ground and make sure we keep focussed on reaching 40 points. That is our target. If, and when we get there then we will take another look at things and see how we can push on.

"We have another huge game coming up against Wigan and we know how difficult that is going to be. We respect every team we play against and Wigan are no different.

"They came here a few weeks ago and got a point so we know they are a difficult proposition for us. But we will go there full of confidence and hopefully we can put in a similar performance like today and get the result we want."