Michael Kightly is not close to an imminent return to the Wolves ranks but Mick McCarthy says there are no fears about his fitness, reports the Birmingham Mail. The midfielder has been sidelined since an ankle operation following the Blues defeat in November in the latest in series of major setbacks.

McCarthy said: "Three or four of them, the ones who have had operations, are going to see their respective surgeons."

Kightly has started just three league games this season.

"We could get through them (injuries) at one stage but he has just had worse injuries, hasn't he?" bemoaned McCarthy.

"He had his hip done, he broke his toe, his knees were bothering him and last season he broke his nose.

''They're all quite big, substantial, not little bumps, bruises, cuts or strains. He'd have scored this season because he is a goal-scorer.

''We would have had more creativity in the squad. As for concerns? 'There is concern for the immediate month or so but not for him beyond that, not at all. There is no long-term concern."