Wanderers assistant boss Phil Brown has laid down a warning to the rest of the Premiership, that Michael Ricketts is back to his best and hungry for goals.

With just 12 days to go before the new season begins, Ricketts scored his first goal in a meaningful match since January, when he put Wanderers ahead against Cardiff in the friendly on Saturday.

After a magnificent start to his first top flight campaign, Ricketts was picked for his England debut in February and was soon linked with a big money move.

All that seemed to have an adverse affect on his form in a Wanderers shirt, and his goalscoring form dried up.

But if his recent attitude is anything to go by, Brown believes Ricketts is ready to take the Premiership by storm again.

"It was a great positive to see Michael get on the scoresheet," said Brown.

"He looks dangerous, and he looks to have the same great appetite which he had at the start of last season.

"Hopefully he can take that into the Premiership. He's got a smile on his face in training, and looks as though he's enjoying his work, which is a great sign for us and hopefully will put the fear of God in to the rest of the Premier League.

"We need someone to be putting the ball in the back of the net for us, and hopefully Michael can do that."