Michael Kightly arrived back at the Compton training ground today, buoyed by news of a major award.

The winger is on crutches after Friday's operation to remove a boney spur from his ankle.

With his leg heavily bandaged, Kights was unable to attend last night's Football League ceremony where he was named Young Player of the Year.But the trophy was waiting for him when he came through the training ground doors.

Michael was also ranked third in the FourFourTwo list of the top 50 Football League players.

"It's a great award to win after my first full season in the Football League," says the former Grays winger.

"I feel it's an achievement and I'm very proud.

"And to know I finished third overall has given me a tremendous boost following the surgery on my ankle

"The operation went really well. There was a lot of scar tissue around the bone along with a bone spur half the size of my thumb.

"Now it's just about me recovering and I'm hoping to start my rehab in the gym and the pool in the next ten days."

Three other Wolves players made the top 50. They were Andy Keogh in 18th place, Wayne Hennessey in 22nd and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in 26th.

"It's good to see other Wolves names in there," added Kights. "Although I was surprised not to see Wayne's name higher up the list because he had a cracking 2007."

Michael Kightly has won the FourFourTwo Young Player of the Year Award for the Coca-Cola Football League at the 2008 Football League Awards.

The announcement was made at a gala dinner at the London Hilton on Park Lane last night.

The 22-year-old midfielder received the accolade as a result of being ranked third in the FourFourTwo Top 50 Football League Players which was also announced on the night. This made him the highest ranked under-21 representative.

The number one spot in the FourFourTwo Top 50 Football League Players went to West Bromwich Albion striker, Kevin Phillips, followed by Andy Gray of Charlton Athletic.

Manager Mick McCarthy collected the award on Michael's behalf. The man himself was missing as he is recovering from an operation on his ankle.

Mick says: "I'm delighted for the lad because he has had a frustrating time with his injury.

"The operation has gone well but we are not putting any pressure on him to get back this season. If he does great but I can't see that happening.

"We just need to make sure he's right for the long term."