Date set for Stephen Hunt's debut

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is expecting £3million winger Stephen Hunt to be fit to face West Ham on October 16.

Summer signing Hunt started running on the day of Wolves' 1-1 draw against Newcastle 10 days ago, as he continues his rehabilitation from a foot injury.

October was always the planned month for Hunt's Wolves debut, but McCarthy believes the timescale for his recovery has become clearer.

Wolves have Premier League games at Fulham and Tottenham before they return to Molineux to host Villa, then a trip to Wigan on October 2 before the next international break.

That gives Hunt a fortnight to be ready for senior action for the visit of West Ham on the 16th.

McCarthy said: "We've got five games coming up including the Carling Cup tie and then we get another break.

"He's probably looking at being fit sooner rather than later, but if we get him back after that two-week break and if he was fit to start that would be fantastic.

"That's what we're probably aiming at. I think he's still on target to be ready in October."

McCarthy also dismissed any loan interest from Hunt's former club Reading in Michael Kightly.

He said: "When he gets fit he'll go out on loan. There's no truth in Reading.

"I've no doubt that Reading or any other club would be delighted to have Michael Kightly on loan, but I've not spoken to anyone.

"Brian McDermott is a good mate of mine, so the first person he would ring up would be me to ask if there was a chance of anything."

Wolves' medium term casualty, Steven Mouyokolo, is closing on a return after returning to full training following thigh and ankle injuries.

McCarthy said: "He's trained and is fine.

"He just needs to do more training now."