Ricketts (left) began his career at Walsall in 1996

Walsall have re-signed former England striker Michael Ricketts.

Birmingham-born Ricketts, 29, began his career with the Saddlers before moving to Bolton in 2000 and then to Middlesbrough for �3.5m in 2003.

He returned to Walsall on loan for three months in 2007/08 scoring 5 goals in 16 appearances.

"It's good to be back. This club is really moving forward and I'm delighted to be part of it," Ricketts told the Walsall website.

"It's nice to be coming home. This club means a lot to me and having spent the summer with Anthony Gerrard, he convinced me that we are really going places under Jimmy Mullen."

Ricketts won his only England cap against the Netherlands in February 2002 and was allowed to leave Teesside for Leeds in the summer of 2004.

I'm delighted to have signed a player of Michael's quality Walsall boss Jimmy Mullen

He then had loan spells with Stoke and Cardiff before signing for Southend in June 2006.

Free transfer moves to Preston and Oldham followed before his second spell at Walsall.

As for the Saddlers' boss Mullen, he is thrilled to have made Ricketts his fifth major signing of the summer.

"I'm delighted to have signed a player of Michael's quality.

"He has proven his ability over the years and, during his loan spell here last season, he proved what he is capable of.

"We'll be looking to get that on a regular basis," Mullen said.