Shawcross set to return - 7M sport

Shawcross set to return

Posted Saturday, March 20, 2010 by PA

Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross is in contention to face Tottenham at the Britannia Stadium after returning from a three-match suspension.

The 22-year-old has been sidelined since being sent off for the tackle with broke Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey's leg on February 27.

He picked up an ankle niggle in training on Wednesday but is hopeful of being fit.

Striker Ricardo Fuller is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up, with Stoke having scored two goals in their last four matches.

Before the game, manager Tony Pulis has warned his players of the dangers of easing up despite their survival virtually being assured.

The Potters are currently 11th on 36 points, 12 clear of the drop zone with nine matches to play.

At the same stage last year, in Stoke's maiden Premier League campaign, they were third-bottom with 29 points but went on to finish 12th with 45 points.

With the task seemingly much easier this time around Pulis was keen to point out it did not mean the players could afford to think their job had been done.

And he highlighted the fortunes of the likes of Derby, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday as examples of what can happen if you lose focus.

"The last 19 months at this club have been brilliant and it has been an exciting journey but we mustn't take our foot off the pedal," said Pulis.

"The club and supporters have to recognise you can soon slip.

"You only have to look to the Championship to see a lot of clubs who have spent a lot more time in the Premier League than we have.

"They have taken their foot off the pedal for one reason or another and they are in real dire situations.

"It is a job you have to keep pushing and driving forward."

Tottenham will be without striker Jermain Defoe, who has a hamstring injury.

He joins Ledley King (thigh), Jermaine Jenas (groin), Aaron Lennon (groin), David Bentley (groin/virus) on the sidelines, while Danny Rose (knee) and Kyle Walker (arm) are also out.

Defender Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini (wrist/pelvis) are long-term absentees.



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