Call-up is a dream for Kightly

Aug 21 2007 By Paul Berry, Birmingham Mail

MICHAEL Kightly admits he'll have to pinch himself if he makes his England under-21 debut against Romania tonight - but if he gets the chance is determined to nail down a regular place in the squad

All the signs are that Kightly, who a year ago was still plying his trade in the Conference with Grays, will at some stage get on as a substitute at Ashton Gate.

And it will come as a big surprise if he doesn't take that comfortably in his stride just as he has life in the Championship since joining Wolves last November.

"I have to pinch myself because it's just been a mad year for me," said Kightly. "At the same time, I'm not silly I know it could change for the worse so I'll keep working hard and trying to progress.

"I don't know what the team's going to be tonight but hopefully if I can get on and show what I can do I can maybe be involved in the squads to come.

"I'm just going to go there, enjoy it and work hard as I usually do."

Villa's Craig Gardner and Blues' Fabrice Muamba will also be hoping for under-21 debuts with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Luke Moore aiming to pick up their next caps.