Express & Star

Michael Kightly backs Jermaine Pennant Wolves move

Jermaine Pennant was today backed to be a "great" signing for Wolves – by the man who replaced him at Stoke, Michael Kightly.

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Pennant, 29, signed a three-month agreement with Stale Solbakken's side yesterday, as reported in later editions of yesterday's Express & Star.

The former Liverpool and Birmingham star's arrival will fill the gap left by injured wingers Razak Boukari, Slawomir Peszko and Stephen Hunt.

And Kightly, who left Wolves for Stoke in a £3m deal in the summer, believes his old club have made an excellent capture.

"He'll be a great signing for Wolves because he's a top player," said Kightly, who returned to Molineux recently to watch the Leicester game.

"He's played for top clubs and he'll show that quality to the Wolves fans.

"From dead-ball situations and crossing, he's one of the best there is and he'll create goals and score a few as well."

Pennant was forced to wear an electronic tag playing for Birmingham in 2005 but Kightly believes the player is misunderstood.

"A lot of people are concerned about his reputation off the pitch and think he's a troublemaker, but if you meet the guy you soon find out it's totally the opposite," he said.

"He's good for the dressing room and will add something to it."

Pennant has played most of his career in the Premier League but Kightly believes the former Arsenal wideman will relish playing in the Championship.

"It's a tough league but his quality will shine through – he will stand out for Wolves," he said.

Pennant has only played twice this season and Kightly believes the rival for his shirt has been unlucky.

"Jon Walters has been playing wide so Jermaine hasn't been involved as much as he'd like," said Kightly.

Meanwhile, Hunt has now had his hip operation and is expected to be sidelined for four months.

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