Villa’s Stephen Warnock believes he will have his work cut out taming Wolves’ wing wonder Michael Kightly this lunch-time, conceding: ‘He’s the complete player.’

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Claret and blue left-back Warnock and Wolves right winger Kightly will lock horns in today’s derby duel at Molineux for what promises to be one of the game’s key contests.

It is not the first time £8m summer signing Warnock has found himself up against the fit-again England Under-21 star, who made his first league start of the campaign against Everton last weekend, after facing him in a friendly while at Blackburn last year.

And England international Warnock admits it was quickly obvious his opponent was destined for the Premier League.

“He is a very skilful player,” said Warnock. “I played against him last season when I was at Blackburn in pre-season.

“He is an energetic and can beat players. I know I am going to have a tough game.

“He has been in and around the England Under-21 squad as well so he is highly thought of and playing against him last year I know what he is about. He looked then like a player who could play in the Premier League quite comfortably. That is something he will prove at Wolves this year himself, I am sure. He has all the ability but it is up to him to prove it now.

“He has a bit of everything in his game. He can beat people and put a good cross in and he is a good finisher of the ball. He is one to watch.”

And Warnock has tipped Wolves to continue their upward spiral, adding: “I am sure given a year in the league, which will get their finances up and allow them to bring in more players, they could be potentially a very strong team.”

“They have got the fans for it and are a really big club.”