Michael Kightly under orders to ease up

Wolves have reined-in Michael Kightly's training schedule as they continue to carefully monitor the much-missed winger's recovery from long-term injury.

Kightly has not been seen in action since November after a catalogue of setbacks including a broken foot, an ankle injury and then the knee problem from which he continues to recover.

The player, who has suffered in the past from his impatience to get back into action, spoke in the summer of his determination not to pressure himself into hurrying his return this time.

And manager Mick McCarthy, for whom Kightly remains a key figure, has revealed Wolves have duly obliged by easing back on the player's rehab programme this week.

"He's still progressing and we're just trying to get him back on the training ground for more sessions," said McCarthy.

"He was out there last week but we've just had to rein him back a little which is the sort of thing which often happens.

"He probably looks at the team now and sees that moving from where he is at the moment to getting straight back into the Premier League is a bit of a quantum leap."

With that in mind, and with the winger enduring such a lengthy absence, the prospect of Kightly going out on loan to regain match sharpness in the future is sure to be discussed.

"I am sure he's had all those thoughts himself but I've not had that discussion with him yet," said McCarthy. "He's still not ready to get back out there."