Former England striker Michael Ricketts has been handed the opportunity to resurrect his career by Southampton manager Nigel Pearson.The 29-year-old ex-Bolton and Middlesbrough forward, whose solitary international cap came in a friendly against Holland in 2002, is a free agent after being released by Oldham in January.

Ricketts scored three goals in 12 league starts for Walsall in a loan spell from November to January.

Pearson, who wants to boost Saints' firepower to help steer clear of the Championship drop zone, has given Ricketts a week-long trial at St Mary's.

"It can never hurt to have a look at players and with Michael's record I felt he was someone worth looking at," Pearson told the club's official website.

"He is a free agent so we invited him down to have a look at him in training. He's here for the week and we'll see how it goes."

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