Bolton Wanderers fullback Sam Ricketts is ready to play at centre-half again today against FA Cup opponents Tottenham.

Ricketts, a Wales ­international full-back, could go head to head with England striker Jermain Defoe if he keeps his place at centre-half.

He said: "I didn't know until an hour before the kick-off at Manchester City that I'd be playing there. You want the challenge of ­playing against the top ­people and Defoe is up there with the best out-and-out goalscorers."

Manager Owen Coyle ­declined to reveal his hand but endorsed the credentials of Ricketts.

Coyle said: "Sam is the type of player I need - a player who, given the opportunity, does his utmost to stay in the team."