Midlands-born Ricketts is eligible to play for Jamaica and the United States, but will hold fire on both until the end of the season in the hope he can work his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad.

Ricketts said: "Obviously I'd love to play for England because that is where I am from.

"But I'm not committed to any country until I've actually played for them."

Ricketts cost Bolton �400,000 from Walsall 18 months ago and fired 24 goals to propel the Trotters straight back into the top flight last season.

But he has also proved he can score goals at the highest level, notching 12 Premiership goals so far this season.

Ricketts said: "If Sven thinks I am good enough and worthy of a chance, then he will give it to me. It's the same with the States and Jamaica.

"It isn't so much a case of me committing to them, but more them to me, because no one from any country has spoken to me.

"I am not exactly waiting by the phone, but if it happens it happens. I have got no bearing on it other than with what I do in a game.

"All I can do is play games and score goals and that will do the talking for me."