Source: PA
Shawcross deserves Wembley spotlight
Former Stoke manager Lou Macari believes Ryan Shawcross deserves his day in the sun at Wembley for the way the defender has responded to hostile criticism.
Shawcross has been one of the pillars in a side that is preparing to face Bolton on Sunday in the FA Cup semi-finals.
It says much for the 23-year-old's mindset given the outcry following his challenge on Aaron Ramsey 15 months ago that resulted in a badly broken leg for the Arsenal midfielder.
"When Ryan was at Manchester United, and I have spoken to people there, he does not have a bad bone in his body," said Macari, who was promoting EON's Energy Fit Campaign, which helps customers, businesses and clubs save money.
"He has been consistent at Stoke, heading the ball away, tackling like a defender is supposed to do. Unfortunately for him, on one occasion especially he has been tagged as Mr Nasty. He is certainly not.
"That tackle (on Ramsey) was a misjudged challenge and the lad ended up in a bad way. He is not a nasty player and Stoke do not have nasty players. I have never seen it."
