Ricketts, who joined the Trotters from Walsall in July for an initial fee of �250,000, has bagged 18 goals already this season, making him one of the hottest properties in the Nationwide League.

And his goalscoring exploits has reportedly brought him to the attention of the Jamaican FA, who have infuriated Derby manager Jim Smith and Allardyce by taking players away for friendly games over FA cup fourth-round weekend.

"He obviously has to make the decision himself but he's a far greater prospect than one who should consider playing for the Jamaican national side.

"He should give it a little bit longer and wait and see what happens in this country. He's a 22-year-old lad who's scoring regularly in this division and he must have created a lot of interest in the England camp.

Ricketts finds himself in a similar situation to Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison who's form this season has attracted the attention of Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.

McCarthy has already contacted the Palace striker about joining up with the Republic squad for their next friendly match.

Morrison, Nationwide Player of the Month, also qualifies to represent Jamaica and England and the striker recently issued an ultimatum to new England boss Sven Goran Eriksson - 'use me or lose me'.

'Two-way thing'

Allardyce revealed his anger at Bolton's dealings with the Jamaican FA, who he accused of bulldozing their way past the club's requests concerning Reggae Boyz star Ricardo Gardner.

"Ricardo's been whisked from under our feet again as usual to go out to play friendlies in Miami and Jamaica," he said.

"He's already missing the fourth round of the FA Cup but I don't think we've had a response.

"In fact, I don't think we had a response the last time we asked them not to play him in a nothing football match when he'd just come back from injury. They ignored that as well.

"It should be a two-way thing but at the minute they're just bulldozing one way."