However the Wales international believes it is imperative they bounce back in the derby against Blackburn on Sunday at the Reebok Stadium.

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.

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.

"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."

Ricketts insists pride will be at stake when they face their neighbours and former manager Sam Allardyce.

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.

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.

"You always want to win in general but the fact that it is a derby does add something to the game.

"Generally this season we have played well in the league apart from the game at Villa Park.

"It was one of those games where all of the outfield players had an off day and we need to write it off.

"But we can only do that by putting in a good performance and hopefully getting a win against Blackburn."

Ricketts has started every game after arriving from Hull in the summer and is determined to keep that run going.

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.

"It keeps you on your toes knowing that there is someone as good as Gretar pushing to be playing every week.

"There is a situation where competition for places is fierce in every position throughout the team."