The versatility of the 28-year-old Welshman has proved invaluable to Wanderers' cause over the last nine months.

Ricketts moved across the Pennines from Hull City in last year's pre-season and started the early months of the campaign as first-choice right-back. A spell on the other side of defence followed before he helped fill in at centre-half when Gary Cahill was sidelined for two months.

Ricketts also enjoyed a short stint in central midfield in what has been an impressive first season at the Reebok for the former Swansea City and Oxford United man.

Wanderers completed the signing of Sam Ricketts from Hull City in July 2009, where he signed for an undisclosed fee, joinign on a three-year deal.

Ricketts was a mainstay in the Hull City defence during the 2008/9 campaign, helping to preserve the Tigers' Barclays Premier League status during their debut season in the top-flight.

The Aylesbury-born defender made his Football League debut in 2000 with Oxford United, accumulating a total of 48 appearances for the club. Whilst with the U's, Ricketts also enjoyed a short stint on loan with Nuneaton Borough, before later moving to Telford United on a permanent deal.

Impressive displays eventually earned a move to Swansea City in May 2005 and it was at Vetch Field where Ricketts established his reputation during a three-year spell.

A move to Hull City followed in July 2006 and within two seasons he had played his part in securing the club's promotion to the Barclays Premier League for the first time in its history. In total, Ricketts made 129 appearances for the Humberside-based outfit.

He is also a regular member of the Welsh national squad.