Wolves snap up non-league star

Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the loan signing of non-league star Michael Kightly.

The 20-year-old moves to Molineux from Grays Athletic on an emergency loan arrangement for two months and is eligible to make his debut on Saturday in the derby clash with Birmingham.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has been angling to bring the winger to the Championship side to assess his quality at a higher level, and after tying up the loose ends of the deal Kightly now joins the former Republic of Ireland manager in the Midlands.

The deal is believed to be with a view to a permanent transfer should Kightly impress at Molineux, and the Grays star will be keen to build on a superb start to the season that has seen him score ten times in the Nationwide Conference.

After returning to league football for the first time since leaving Southend in 2005, Kightly has spoken of his delight at joining Wolves.

"Obviously Wolves is a great club with a great history and a magnificent stadium," Kightly told the club's official website.

"The first I knew of the move was last Thursday when I was told that Mick McCarthy was on the phone wanting to speak to me.

"As you can imagine I was delighted."

McCarthy also explained he will be taking a close interest in Kightly's development during his time at Molineux as the winger looks to do enough to secure a long term deal.

"Michael is widely recognised as one of the highly rated young players in the Conference league," said McCarthy.

"He scored 18 goals last season and has got ten so far this [season] from a wide right position.

"He is eager to get back into league football and improve and demonstrate that he can play at this level so we will be having a good look at him.

"In the meantime he gives us cover and another option."