Kightly boost makes Mick smile

10 September 2009 17:51
Kightly last played competitive football back in March before breaking a metatarsal which ruled him out for the rest of the club's Championship-winning campaign. He also used the opportunity to undergo a much-needed hip operation but after five and a half months on the sidelines the 23-year-old is finally back training with his team-mates. His pace, ability at set-pieces and accurate crossing - not to mention the eight goals and incredible 19 assists he contributed last season - have been even more keenly felt going forward due to the absence of strikers Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo. But just as any team in the 'big four' would welcome back of one of their influential stars, McCarthy beamed when speaking about Kightly's return to action in an in-house friendly on Tuesday. Although he was keen to stress the Basildon-born wide man would not be running out at Ewood Park, with next week's reserve clash against West Ham a more likely date for his comeback. "He did really well on Tuesday, he had an hour's game and it was lovely to see him out there," said the Wolves boss. "He's a terrific little footballer he really is. A really talented individual. "It was great to see him do some of the things he did. But he's still not ready to play." He continued: "His touch is coming back, he spots a pass, he really is a terrific footballer, lovely to watch when he's playing like that. "I really enjoyed watching him being out there. "He's still not up to match speed but he's getting there." Kightly will miss the trip to Lancashire along with Ebanks-Blake (hamstring), Iwelumo (metatarsal), defenders Kevin Foley and Stephen Ward and goalkeeper Matt Murray (all knee). But two players who could be making their debuts in the Barclays Premier League encounter are new signings Segundo Castillo and Stefan Maierhofer. The latter signed a three-year deal prior to the transfer window closing and, with Ebanks-Blake and Iwelumo sidelined, will provide healthy competition for Kevin Doyle, Andy Keogh and Sam Vokes in attack. Vokes has been linked with a loan move away from Molineux but a season-long deal with Derby collapsed at the 11th hour last Tuesday. The emergency loan market has now reopened but McCarthy has reviewed his options and insists he will keep hold of the Wales man for the time being at least. "No, there's nobody going out," he said. "We've got four strikers at the minute with Stefan, Sam, Andy and Kevin. "And until that changes I won't be looking to do anything." But Darren Ward could find himself on his way out. "There's always potential for that, that's been running for a long time," added McCarthy. "We'll see, but there is a chance of that." Asked whether the defender would return to Millwall, McCarthy added: "I think he would. There was a potential deal for him to go on loan there. They enquired about him so we'll see." Blackburn 4/5, Draw 5/2, Wolves 7/2  

Source: Team_Talk