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ESSEX
BOY MAKES ENGLAND u21 SQUAD |
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Basildon-born midfielder
Michael Kightly was the surprise inclusion in Stuart
Pearce's first squad announcement as full-time boss of
England's Under 21 team |
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Kightly moved to Wolverhampton
Wanderers in November 2006, initially on loan from Blue
Square Premier side Grays Athletic, and since joining
the Coca-Cola Championship club he has netted eight
times in 28 appearances from the right-hand side of
midfield. |
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His impressive displays have now led to his call-up to the
Under 21s squad for the friendly clash against Romania at
Bristol City's Ashton Gate next Tuesday, 21st August 21.
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Michael Kightly
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Ex-Nottingham Forest and England left-back Pearce is no
stranger to non-league football himself, having been
plucked by Coventry City from Southern Leaguers Wealdstone
in the early eighties. He told thefa.com: "Players
coming up from non-league doesn't happen so often these
days. After moving from Grays he did well with Wolves
towards the end of the season and really impressed, so
this will be a good opportunity for him." It will not
be Kightly's first appearance in an England shirt, having
represented the National Game XI in 2006/07.
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The youngster's chance with Wolves represents a second
bite at the Football League cherry after coming through
the ranks at Southend United. Having starred for Tottenham
Hotspur in his formative years, current Blues' boss Steve
Tilson helped to entice Kightly from Essex Senior League
side Basildon United, and he quickly progressed through
the Youth Team to the Reserves at Roots Hall.
After making his debut at Exeter City on the last day of
the 2002/03 campaign, Kightly made a further 18
appearances for the Shrimpers, scoring his only goal in a
3-0 Football League Trophy triumph over Luton Town. He was
later released having served as part of a squad that
reached two consecutive Football League Trophy finals and
won promotion via the League Two play-off final.
A loan spell at Farnborough Town preceded a move to Grays
Athletic, where he was the star of a side that
participated in the Nationwide Conference play-offs and
won the F.A. Trophy with a 2-0 win over Woking at Upton
Park. In all, he contributed 25 goals in 61 games for the
Latics, leading to rumoured interest from Manchester
United. A deal for £20,000 had been agreed with Wolves,
however, and Kightly has not looked back since.
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