• Stoke City defender says he has left messages to no avail
• Admits 'lot of emotion going on' but boosted by support

Ryan Shawcross has revealed that Aaron Ramsey has yet to respond to any of his attempts to make contact in the wake of the challenge that left the Arsenal midfielder with a fractured tibia and fibula last month. The Stoke City defender, who hopes to overcome a minor ankle injury to make his first appearance since the Arsenal fixture when Tottenham visit the Britannia Stadium tomorrow, has sent text messages and also tried to speak to Ramsey, but without success.

Shawcross said he was not disappointed that Ramsey has shunned his attempts to get in touch and admitted "there is a lot of emotion going on" after a tackle that has left the Wales international facing nine months on the sidelines. Ramsey has started a lengthy rehabilitation programme and Shawcross said focusing all his energies on returning to fitness is a good enough reason to ignore the calls and messages.

"I have made efforts, I've left him messages and a text, and nothing has been returned but that's up to Aaron," Shawcross said, speaking publicly for the first time about the incident. "Will I see him? I might do in the future but it's totally up to Aaron. I haven't spoken to him. It's up to him whether he gets back to me, there is a lot of emotion going on and he's probably trying to concentrate on having his rehab done and that's fair enough."

Arsène Wenger was heavily critical of Shawcross, accusing the central defender of a horrendous and unacceptable challenge. Shawcross, however, maintains there was no bad intent and said for that reason he has not been tormenting himself about the moment he collided with Ramsey's right leg and left the teenager writhing in agony.

"I think if you ask any professional playing football, he doesn't go out to injure another player," Shawcross said. "The incident, I just g