Shawcross thanks supporters

STOKE defender Ryan Shawcross yesterday revealed messages of support from Alex Ferguson and Steven Gerrard helped lift his spirits following the tackle which broke Aaron Ramsey’s leg.

Ferguson called Shawcross after United’s Carling Cup final victory over Aston Villa – the day after Stoke’s game.

Gerrard, who was captain of the England squad the defender had just been called up to, sent a text message welcoming him into Fabio Capello’s group and asking about his welfare. Shawcross insists he has now moved on from that night at the Britannia Stadium and is ready for a return to action against Tottenham on Saturday after serving his three-match ban.

“That’s the end of it. We made contact but I’d like to keep that between me and Aaron,” said the former Manchester United centre-back, who received more than 300 e-mails and 100 letters of support from fans after the incident.

“I just want to concentrate on football and Aaron has to concentrate on getting back to full fitness. It was a big downer after that incident and then I got the England call-up, which was a fantastic achievement.

“Alex rang me after the Carling Cup final, which was good of him, and we had a good chat and that was just something to lift my spirits. That is probably why he is one of the best managers there has been. I got a text from Steven Gerrard to say I was welcome in the squad, so straight away I knew they would be fine with me. He was checking I was fine. He didn’t have to do it but it shows what kind of character he is in helping someone out.”

Shawcross is confident the tackle will not have any long-lasting effect on him or the way he plays.

“I was quite surprised how quickly I was back to normal. I knew straight after I was going to be the same player and make tackles. It was an accident and these things happen in football. I’m not going to change the way I play.”