Kightly living the dream

The 20-year-old, who was released by Southend United just 17 months ago, has sealed a dream switch from Grays Athletic to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

And the in-form flankster is determined to make the most of his incredible opportunity at Molineux.

"Wolves are a massive club and it's brilliant that I've signed for them," he said.

"I found out about their interest when the Grays chairman gave me a ring to tell me that Mick McCarthy had come in for me.

"I was quite overwhelmed by it all to be honest.

"I had a good year last year and thought that if I had a good start to this season as well then I might have a chance of getting back into the Football League in January.

"I got 10 goals quite quickly so that's what happened, but I never dreamt that it would be with a club like Wolves."

But, having completed the loan move - with a view to a permanent transfer, which could eventually rise to £125,000 when the window re-opens in January - Kightly is now determined to force his way into former Republic or Ireland boss McCarthy's first team plans.

"I've not come here just to make up the numbers; I want to get into the team,"he declared.

"Whether that will take a couple of days, weeks or months I'm not sure.

"But I'm very grateful for this opportunity and I'm determined to work as hard as I can to make sure I make the most of it."

Kightly is already relishing life with the former Premiership club who currently sit 10th in the Championship, just two points outside the play-offs.

"The facilities here are second to none and, without being disrespectful, it's a million miles away from being with Grays," he said.

""When I was there we trained in a school playing field, but at Wolves everything is up to Premiership standard.

"Mick McCarthy seems a good manager as well and I know that my game will improve under him."

Kightly's game also improved while with Grays as he forced his way up to become one of the hottest prospects outside the Football League.

He bagged 18 goals from midfield during his first season with Grays and produced a man of the match display to help them beat Woking 2-0 in the FA Trophy final.

This season he continued to impress and deservedly earned a call up into the National Game XI - the England side for non-league players.

"I owe Grays a lot because they gave me the chance to play" said Kightly.

"Mark Stimson took a chance on me and so did Mick Woodward, who didn't stand in my way when the chance to go to Wolves came around, and I'm grateful for that."

But such highs followed a tough time for the youngster who was left "gutted" when let go by Southend at the end of the 2004/05 season.

Kightly made 19 appearances while with the Shrimpers and was disappointed when they decided not to him offer him another new contract.

"When you get released from any club it's not very nice and it was obviously quite a low time," recalled Kightly.

"I was gutted when Southend let me go, but proving people wrong has always played a big part in my life and I think I've done that now.

"It doesn't stop just yet though because I know there will be those having doubts on whether I can play at this level because it's a big step up.

"But I think it's one that's going to suit the way I play."

Kightly could, ironically, show the Seasiders what they missed out on in just a fortnight's time when Wolves visit Roots Hall.

The Midlands giants saw off the Shrimpers 3-1 at Molineux just a few weeks ago and Kightly, who watched Blues as a boy, is desperate to be involved when they aim to achieve a double.

"As soon as I signed the first fixture that I looked for was Southend," he said.

"I would love to be involved for that, but we shall have to wait and see.

"I will give it everything I have in training, which has gone well so far, and hopefully try to give the manager a selection headache.

"I watched the match on Saturday at Birmingham and have enjoyed the training so far too. I have a good feeling that things are going to work out here."