Michael Kightly has revealed he remains on course for his target of some form of pre-season return.

The popular winger is continuing his rehabilitation from tendon problems after his first season in the Barclays Premier League initially fell victim to an ankle injury.

He had always targeted playing some part of a pre-season game, and as he closes in to a return to full training that prospect remains a distinct possibility.

"I've been training every day throughout the summer - I've hardly had any time off," he said.

"The training I've been doing has, of course, been very different to the training done by the rest of the boys because I've had to catch up with their fitness. It's been more intense.

"I expect to be ready to train fully in a couple of weeks.

"But come the start of the season I will be ready."

Kightly continued:  "Being injured is a horrible thing.

"I've struggled to deal with it sometimes, it can be very frustrating, but now I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

"I feel good. There are no symptoms whatsoever now so I'm really pleased.

"I just need to make sure I don't do too much too soon so I can stay fit."

Having worked closely with the squad already this summer and travelled to Ireland for last week's tour, Kightly has been impressed with the new signings made by boss Mick McCarthy.

It has also given the England-under-21 international confidence about the season ahead.

"The gaffer has made some good signings and that's got to be good news for the squad," he added.

"It keeps you on your toes.

"If there's no competition for places you can become stale, so it's good to have players waiting in the wings.

"Our aim next season is to stay up.

"To stay up in your second season is always hard but I'm confident with the players we have we can do it.

"We just need to better our performance last year."