RYAN Shawcross returns from his three-match ban tomorrow claiming he is ready, mentally and physically, to make that long-awaited first tackle since leaving Aaron Ramsey with a double leg break.

Shawcross insists there are no mental scars as he awaits his call to arms for tomorrow's clash with Tottenham at a sell-out Britannia (3pm).

The 22-year-old defender has also spoken for the first time about making contact with Ramsey to pass on his best wishes, but revealed that Arsenal's teenage midfielder has yet to return the compliment.

Shawcross, who should shake off a minor ankle injury sustained in training this week, said: "It's been a tough and weird few weeks, but now I've moved on and I'm just looking forward to the game.

"I was upset that I'd caused someone such pain, but if you watch the tackle you'll know I've gone for the ball.

"I knew straight away that I was still going to be the same player who'd still make my tackles. I will just play my normal game – as I've always done."

Shawcross has received around 400 e-mails and letters of support, while he has left a voice and text message supporting Ramsey.

There has been no response yet from the Wales international, but Shawcross insists there are no hard feelings on his part.

"It's up to him," said Shawcross. "There's probably a lot of emotions going on and he's concentrating on his rehabilitation."

City boss Tony Pulis says everyone behind the scenes has rallied round Shawcross to ensure he is in the right frame of mind for tomorrow's probable comeback.

"He's up and running and ready to go," said Pulis. "There's no problems whatsoever. There's been a great reaction from Ryan and everybody concerned around the football club.

"Before the incident he was playing as well as he's played for us. He's a level-headed kid and has a strong family behind him.

"He's been captain of the team this year and that shows he's got good character. It was an honest challenge, but unfortunately Aaron was just a bit too quick."

And in a blunt dig at Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for describing the Shawcross challenge as "horrendous", Pulis added: "Everybody who's seen the incident, except maybe one person, recognises it was an accident."

GOALKEEPER Steve Simonsen could be joining Sheffield United on loan today after dropping to third in the pecking order at Stoke.

The Blades need a new keeper after loanee Mark Bunn was recalled by Blackburn.

Big match preview: Pages 56 to 59