Michael Kightly has ruled himself out of Wolverhampton Wanderers start to the season.

The midfielder suffered the curse of the metatarsal in April, and although he is close to full fitness, he will not rush back for the visit of West Ham United for fear of returning too early.

"I'd been working hard all summer to get full fitness and feel that I'm very close," Kightly told the official club site. "But I'm just suffering from a few minor niggles which means I'm not quite at full throttle.

"It's been affecting me in the games I've played so far and so the decision has been taken to take a step back and have some more treatment to ensure that I am fully right.

"Of course it will be a disappointment not to be involved for the first day of the season but it's more important that I am able to do myself and the team justice when I play.

“There is no point taking any risks in terms of rushing back and causing more problems later on. It is a long season, and hopefully by taking this action I will be available for as much of it as possible.”