Striker To Make North West Return?

By Mark Heys
December 28 2006

Michael Ricketts could be set for a return to the North West after being handed a trial with Championship side Preston North End..

The 28-year old has been without a club since leaving Southend United in the Autumn and Lillywhites manager Paul Simpson could take him to Preston on a longer arrangemewnt if he impresses in a forthcoming reserve team game.

Ricketts fall from grace has been extrordinary since he won a solitary cap for England against Holland in February 2002. The former Wanderers star striker infamously requested a move away from the Reebok Stadium four winters ago and subsequently clinched a move to Middlesbrough where he spent more time on the bench or in the injury room than he did in the starting eleven.

He did win a Carling Cup medal when Boro defeated Bolton in the 2004 final but the North East outfit decided to cut their losses on the £3.5 million man and he has since spent time with Stoke City, Leeds United, Cardiff City, Burnley and Southend.