by Martin Spinks

TONY Pulis reckons Ryan Shawcross is gradually coming of age as a Premier League defender after successfully bouncing back from a starring role in "'Wengergate".

But Pulis warns that his young protege will be rested again if his new found standards dip through physical or mental fatigue.

Shawcross was under the microscope at Wigan on Saturday after he and Rory Delap were accused by Arsene Wenger of deliberately trying to injury his players seven days previous during the defeat of high-flying Arsenal.

The former Manchester United defender was booked early on at Wigan, but then kept his composure to survive any more mishaps during City's 0-0 draw.

"After the early booking he could easily have lost his composure," said Pulis, "but I was pleased with how he conducted himself after that.

"He's our future, but I still think he will go up and down. When he's tired and it's looking too much for him, I won't be afraid to pull him out."

Pulis played down a brief on-field spat at the JJB between Senegalese international Abdoulaye Faye and record signing Dave Kitson after the former had taken exception to the latter's misplaced pass.

"I don't speak Senegalese," said Pulis, before adding: "It just shows the players' passion and commitment and we showed that in abundance. We had to, especially in the last 20 minutes, when Wigan threw everything at us."

Pulis also said he would look at the match video before commenting on suggestions striker Ricardo Fuller made an offensive gesture towards Wigan fans by scratching his forehead with one finger raised.

Stoke's second point away from home left Pulis especially delighted with how his players maintained their professionalism in the wake of the Arsenal win and all that followed.

"With a great victory being soured a little bit," he said, "you don't know how that's going to affect your players, but I thought they were brilliant.

"Sometimes you get labelled as a team, but we showed a lot of honestly and commitment. We just lacked that bit of quality at times to punish them. We had five or six opportunities, but the final pass wasn't what you hope for. We've got to improve that."

Mama Sidibe is an early doubt for tomorrow night's home Carling Cup clash with Rotherham after limping off at Wigan with ankle trouble. Danny Higginbotham and Salif Diao are also among those likely to be rested after reporting hamstring and thigh problems after Saturday's game.

Ticket prices for the fourth round tie have been cut to £10 for adults and £5 for juniors.