N'Zogbia Gets A Dose Of The Ricketts!

But while Allardyce has been delighted with his contribution to date, he has ordered the youngster to keep his feet firmly on the ground after seeing Ricketts lose his way.

Allardyce: "Yes, I'm pleased for him, but as long as that does not affect him in the wrong way.

"That can happen to young men when all the other boys start talking to him about this, that and the other. All of a sudden, he's disgruntled again.

"It can be a good thing, but it can also be a very destructive thing.

"You know, I saw a player play once for England, and he is now playing at Oldham Athletic. He's called Michael Ricketts.

"It affected him that badly. He let himself get carried away by the situation, and his career ended up declining."