FORGOTTEN man Michael Kightly is looking forward to ending his injury nightmare with a return to competitive football in the not-too-distant future.

The 25-year-old has not played since injuring his ankle against Blues in November 2009.

Since then he has travelled the continent seeking specialist advice on knee problems, both of which have demanded surgery.

But he is back running now and, after being given a boost with his inclusion in Mick McCarthy’s 25-man Premier League squad, the former Grays winger has now set his sights on contributing to the Old Gold cause before the end of the season.

But that will probably mean building up his conditioning elsewhere first and with the loan market about to reopen early next week, Kightly has already started setting his sights on going out on loan.

“I definitely think I’ll play first-team football this season whether it’s here or somewhere else.