Wolves winger Michael Kightly has been backed to fill Premier League full-backs with dread next season.

Kightly made his comeback four months after breaking his foot in Wednesday’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Port Vale, playing the last 26 minutes.

The 23-year-old wide man is set to continue his recovery with an extended outing in tomorrow’s game at Bristol City in the countdown to the Premier League curtain-raiser against West Ham on August 15.

And team-mate Stephen Ward reckons Kightly will light up the top flight just as he did the Championship.

“He’s shown over the last two years that he’s one of the best players in the Championship,” said Ward. “I’ve no doubt he’ll step up and full-backs will be dreading facing Michael Kightly.

“He’s getting fully fit at just the right time and I’m sure come August, he’ll be ready to face any defence that’s in front of him. He’s going to be vital to us and I’m so pleased to see him back for us.”

Ward believes Kightly is ready to reap the benefits of a slow recovery that has seen him held back from some of the pre-season slog.