Wanderers' players have no problem with wantaway striker Michael Ricketts.

Defender Simon Charlton says the dressing room understands Ricketts' desire to play at a higher level.

Ricketts is expected to be given a rough ride by sections of the Reebok crowd against Everton after he was roundly booed by travelling supporters at Newcastle United last Wednesday.

The fans are unhappy with Ricketts for asking for a transfer after a frustrating 12 months in which his performances slipped and he only scored four goals from open play.

The relationship between player and fans has not been helped by reports that Ricketts would jump at the chance of leaving the Reebok for White Hart Lane.

But Charlton says his decision to ask for a transfer has not caused any problems within the relegation-fighting Reebok camp.

And he predicted the fans will soon change their attitude to Ricketts if he gets a goal tonight.

"The supporters had a bit of a go at him at Newcastle," he said. "I can understand their frustrations, we are all frustrated because of the situation we are in and Michael is in the position to take the stick because of what has been said about him.

"I don't have a problem with him wanting to play at a higher level. He is just being professional in that respect.

"He has got the talent, we all know that, and we all want him to use that talent at Bolton.

"But I hope he channels the stick he is getting into his game because if he plays as well as he can the big clubs will want to sign him and the club will get the big money they want.

"He just has to concentrate on his game.

"The players don't have a problem with it. We have all been in the game a long time and we know what goes on in the game.

"Something like this just creates more banter. We give banter to him and he gives it back.

"There is no question that he wants to do his best for Bolton. When Youri Djorkaeff scored our goal at Charlton, Ricks was the first to jump on him which showed he has the right attitude.

"He has no lack of passion for the cause here. He just wants to do well in the game which is the professional in him and I'm sure if we were to get a result against Everton it will all die down."

Charlton also offered a counter point to Ricketts' critics who claim he owes Wanderers.

"You could say he repaid the club last season. People look at the fact he has not continued it but it would have been very difficult for him to continue scoring a goal every game.

"He just wants to do the best while he can."

Charlton warned that any hostility aimed at Ricketts during the game could have a counter effect on the team.

"I would like to see the fans get behind him because he is an important player for us.

"If they don't I hope it will not be difficult for Michael because we need him to be at the top of his game.

"If he gets a hostile reception I hope he can use that to drive him on and if he scores it will be amazing how they will change their tune towards him."