Kightly is a huge favourite among Wolves fans

Wolves winger Michael Kightly is set to involved in the pre-season trip to the Republic of Ireland as he looks to step up his fitness programme.

Kightly, 24, made a huge impact after being signed from Grays in 2007.

However, he was plagued by injury in 2009 - suffering a broken foot, an ankle problem and then a knee injury that has sidelined him since November.

Stephen Ward, who is recovering after a cartilage operation, will also be in the squad for the tour.

Kightly, who cost Wolves a transfer fee of only £20,000, was a key player in the club's promotion from the Championship the season before last.

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But he subsequently made only nine Premier League appearances and his knee injury struck just as he was building up his match fitness after ankle and foot problems.

His rehabilitation has included using an anti-gravity treadmill and the player is now hoping to put 15 months of frustration behind him.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said: "Michael is training on the AlterG [treadmill]. He's doing his programme and that won't be altered.

"He'll have two weeks [rehabilitation work] before joining us and it's the same with Stephen Ward. They'll be coming with us to Ireland."

Ward, who will be 25 in August, underwent surgery at the end of last season.

He was signed by McCarthy in 2007 for £100,000 from Irish side Bohemians, who Wolves will play in a friendly on 17 July.

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