Wolves wide man Michael Kightly has reflected on missing out on the start of the season by hoping he will see the majority of the campaign after his return.

The winger has suffered various niggles as he battles back from a broken foot and hip. He now misses out on the big kick-off against West Ham on August 15.

Kightly broke his metatarsal in a friendly in mid-March and had surgery to correct a long term hip problem, at the same time as his foot was operated on.

Returning to full training, the 23-year-old made a 26-minute comeback against Port Vale eight days ago and played half against Bristol City on Saturday.

But he failed to make the squad for the defeat at MK Dons on Tuesday and was forced to admit defeat in his bid to be fit for the start of the campaign.

Kightly said: “I’d been working hard all summer to get myself up to full fitness and feel I’m very close.

“But I’m just suffering from a few minor niggles, which means I’m not quite at full throttle.

“It’s been affecting me in the games, so the decision has been taken to take a step back and have some more treatment.

“It will be a disappointment not to be involved, but it’s more important I’m able to do myself and the team justice when I play.

“This is a big season both for me and for Wolves, so there’s no point taking any risks in terms of rushing back and causing more problems later.

“It’s a long season, and hopefully by taking this action I’ll be available for as much of it as possible.

“The aim is to be back in training within a couple of weeks and then step things up.”

Greg Halford will now look to stake his claim for Kightly’s place, starting with Saturday’s friendly at Doncaster.

Wolves are also waiting on midfielders Andrew Surman and Dave Jones, who made a half-hour comeback in last night’s 1-0 second-string win at Crewe.