By Ayodele Odumade

Bartlett is South Africa's top goal scorer

Shaun Bartlett has hinted he may return to international football to help South Africa reach the World Cup.

Bartlett recently announced his retirement from the international game saying he wanted to concentrate on his club career at Charlton Athletic.

But the South African Football Association has told him they would love to have him back on board for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, which start next year.

Bartlett quits South Africa

"It is something I have to think about," Bartlett told BBC Sport.

"The authorities have said they would welcome me back and that they haven't accepted my retirement.

"I might be going back but there is another African Cup of Nations in 2006, so I have to decide whether to take part in that or not as well.

"When I announced my retirement in the autumn, it was to get out of the Nations Cup.

"I felt that was the only way to make myself unavailable but then I got injured and I would not have gone anyway."

Bartlett insisted that his manager at Charlton, Alan Curbishley, was not involved in his decision.

"Even this time the decision is down to me."

Bartlett stressed that his motivation to play for his country had not waned.

"I have always wanted to be part of the national team for as long as I can. It has been frustrating and disappointing to have to miss out."

Bartlett made his first appearance for Charlton since October when he came on as a substitute last weekend in their 1-0 defeat against Chelsea.