Ricketts eyes top 10 for Trotters

21 November 2009 13:23
However the Wales international believes it is imperative they bounce back in the derby against Blackburn on Sunday at the Reebok Stadium.[LNB]Bolton have slipped down the league after the thumping by Aston Villa - shipping 15 goals in five league games - and Ricketts is anxious to make amends.[LNB]He said: "We are more than capable of finishing in the top half. We have had a hard run of games and our performances deserved more than what we actually achieved.[LNB]"It's time now to get those extra points and to start climbing the table. If we put a couple of back-to-back wins together then people will see us fly up the table."[LNB]Ricketts insists pride will be at stake when they face their neighbours and former manager Sam Allardyce.[LNB]The Blackburn boss led the side into the UEFA Cup and also to the League Cup final during a successful eight-year spell in charge.[LNB]Ricketts said: "All derbies are big games and it's bragging rights as much as anything. It's putting one over your local rivals and the players feel that as much as the fans.[LNB]"You always want to win in general but the fact that it is a derby does add something to the game.[LNB]"Generally this season we have played well in the league apart from the game at Villa Park.[LNB]"It was one of those games where all of the outfield players had an off day and we need to write it off.[LNB]"But we can only do that by putting in a good performance and hopefully getting a win against Blackburn."[LNB]Ricketts has started every game after arriving from Hull in the summer and is determined to keep that run going.[LNB]He added: "Obviously Gretar (Steinsson) had a good season last season and I came here knowing that I would have to fight for my place.[LNB]"It keeps you on your toes knowing that there is someone as good as Gretar pushing to be playing every week.[LNB]"There is a situation where competition for places is fierce in every position throughout the team."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk