Michael Kightly open to a loan move

Wolves winger Michael Kightly today revealed he is happy to go out on loan once he recovers from what he admits is a "serious" injury.

Kightly was today linked with a temporary switch to Championship side Reading, and believes his exclusion from Mick McCarthy's 25-man squad relieved the pressure on him to rush back.

McCarthy had stated Kightly and Stephen Hunt would make the cut but, while Hunt was included despite not being fit until October, Kightly suffered a setback in his bid to recover from chronic inflammation of the patella tendons.

The news once again raised fears about the winger's long-term fitness, having not played since last November and making only three starts since breaking his foot in March 2009.

But Kightly is remaining upbeat and is keen to get some football out on loan in the hope of being available for Wolves in January, when clubs can change their 25-man squads.

And the 24-year-old will have no shortage of advice on Reading if an offer comes in with Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Doyle and Hunt all ex-Royals players.

Kightly said: "This is a serious injury and one which is complex to deal with. Any setback is disappointing, but it's something I've learned to cope with over the last year or so.

"I'm ready to give it as long as it takes, but when I do get fit again it would be good to get out on loan.

"I'm staying positive and carrying on with the rehab without any pressure on when I need to be fit again.

"Once I wasn't going to be ready it was always going to be the right decision not to be included in the 25. The gaffer needed players who he knew would be available to him.

"If the loan was to happen, then by January I could be ready to challenge for a place here."

Luckless Kightly has suffered a catalogue of misfortune in the last 18 months.

The wide man broke his foot in a training ground friendly and then underwent an operation on his metatarsal and hip to resolve a long-term problem.

Then he suffered an ankle injury against Birmingham last November, only to break down with the problem in his knees during his rehab.