Sam Ricketts talks up Gary Cahill ability

Bolton have accepted Chelsea's bid of £7m for Gary Cahill (Getty Images)

Bolton defender Sam Ricketts believes Chelsea will be signing a gem if they do manage to complete a deal for centre-back Gary Cahill.

The two clubs have agreed a fee but the move does not appear to be a certainty, with Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas saying the parties were "miles apart" in their negotiations.

Ricketts would love to see his friend remain at the Reebok Stadium and help the Trotters in their bid for survival, but he has no doubt Cahill would rise to the challenge if he does go.

The full-back said: "It would be a big loss, he's been a fantastic player for the club and he's a great lad to have around.

"He's someone I've got on really well with since I've come to the club but we can't do anything about that. If he goes, I wish him all the best and if not then we're delighted to have him.

"They would be getting a really good, honest lad who wants to ply his trade at the highest level and is dedicated to do that. His feet are firmly on the ground and he's deserved everywhere he's got to so far."

Ricketts has been on the sidelines during Bolton's poor start to the season recovering from a ruptured Achilles, finally making his return in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wolves.

It was a welcome development for Bolton boss Owen Coyle, who has been hampered by a lengthy injury list.

"That's what I've been aiming for for a long time," said Ricketts.

"Obviously there's me, Sean Davis, Stuey Holden, Lee Chung-yong, Tyrone Mears, and it's been a long time.

"People don't realise that through the summer myself and Sean literally had five days off. The lads work extremely hard to get back fit and me and Sean have just started to come back in now. It's hard work and it can be a lonely road at times."

It turned out to be an extra-special afternoon for Ricketts, who not only made his first appearance in more than 10 months but also netted his first goal for Bolton with a brilliant curling effort.

He said: "It was something I'd been thinking about. They left a little gap for me to cut inside and then it was just a case of trying to feed it into the far post. That could be up there with one of the best goals I've scored."

The point was not enough to lift Bolton off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League table, but Ricketts is hoping he can play his part in a change of fortunes.

The Wales international said: "I just want to try to bring a little bit of freshness and different ideas. I've watched every game this season and I've seen the good things and the bad things.

"My confidence shouldn't be down because I've not been playing so I'll try to bring that into the team and keep us on the front foot."

PA