Kightly close to fitness
Wolves midfielder Michael Kightly is stepping up his training programme after last season’s injury nightmare with manager Mick McCarthy admitting it will be “like having a new player.”
The former Grays player was laid low with ankle and knee problems for the majority of the campaign.
But Kightly is now approaching full fitness ahead of Saturday’s Barclays Premier League opener with Stoke.
McCarthy said: “Kightly is doing very well. He’ll start stepping into training with the lads this week.
“He will do a couple of sessions with the football for 30 minutes.
“He will be like a new player for us, because we hardly used him at all last year.”
McCarthy is continuing to monitor the fitness of striker Kevin Doyle who is currently with the Republic of Ireland ahead of Wednesday’s friendly international with Argentina.
Doyle missed the weekend friendly clash against Athletic Bilbao after suffering a kick to his calf against Hearts four days earlier.
Wolves record signing top-scored with nine goals last season.
Defender Ronald Zubar is already doubtful for the Stoke clash with a groin injury.
