Even as he says it Karl Henry knows it's a well-worn cliché.

But to call Michael Kightly a potential "new signing" is certainly not stretching the point.

The winger played a massive part in helping Wolves to the Championship title in 2008/09, despite the fact he was absent from injury in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Not at full fitness at the start of the last campaign, he was just coming to the boil when picking up an ankle injury against Birmingham in November, and problems with his patella tendons since mean Kightly will not be out with the team for the first proper pre-season training session today.

There is positive news however.

Kightly, set to join the pre-season tour of Ireland along with the other rehabilitating players, is hopeful of playing some part in a friendly before the big kick-off comes along.

And captain Henry is relishing the prospect.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing Michael Kightly back," he says.

"I'm hoping he's getting closer towards fitness because he's a great player who can also add a lot to the squad.

"He was just getting into his stride last season when he got injured and it might be an old cliché but it really would be like a new signing to have him available.

"He can score goals and create goals as well and has a good chance of being able to do that in the Premier League when he comes back fit."

New signing Stephen Hunt is another on the road to recovery and Henry believes the sort of attacking threats posed by Wolves wing wizards could give them added firepower next season.

Henry added:  "To have wingers like Kights, Matt Jarvis and Stephen Hunt all available would certainly add to the gaffer's attacking options.

"And I also thought Kevin Foley did a great job on the right hand side last season when we needed to be a bit more solid.

"We know we're going to have to defend well again next season and there were games last season when we didn't play brilliantly but stayed solid and managed to nick a goal and a point here or there.

"But if we are able to attack more then having the likes of Kightly and Stephen Hunt added to the players already available will certainly help." 

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