Wolves winger Michael Kightly will miss the rest of the season after breaking his metatarsal.

The 23-year-old star of the club’s push for promotion to the Premier League pulled up after landing awkwardly during yesterday’s friendly win over Shrewsbury at Compton.

Kightly had to be carried from the pitch in some distress after the incident, which came 38 minutes into the 4-1 victory after his saved shot set up the opening goal for George Friend.

England under-21 winger Kightly is devastated at missing the run-in after playing a key part in the club’s near six-month occupancy of the Championship’s top spot.

Kightly, who scored the last of his eight goals for the season in Wolves’ 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest 11 days ago, has the most assists in the division and has just been voted the league’s third best player.

“I’m absolutely gutted,” he said. “To miss the last six games when we’re in the position we are is the worst thing that could happen.

“The toe’s now got to be pinned and I’ll have to have an operation which hopefully will be as soon as possible.”

The injury was caused by an innocuous fall over Shrewsbury keeper Jasbir Singh.

“I jumped over the keeper and just fell awkwardly when I planted my foot,” said Kightly.

“It’s the sort of challenge you go in for day-in day-out in training or in a game but yesterday just wasn’t my day.

Kightly is one of the biggest bargains in recent football history after he was plucked by boss Mick McCarthy from Non-League Grays for just £25,000 in January 2007.

McCarthy admitted it was a blow losing of one of his most influential players, but revealed Matt Jarvis might be ready to take Kightly’s place as he prepared to return to training tomorrow.

“It’s really disappointing both for him and for the team,” he said.

“Of course it’s a blow but unfortunately it’s part of football.

“We’ve got players who can come in and it looks like Matt Jarvis will be back in training tomorrow.

“All we can do is wish him a speedy recovery.”

Kightly could now be a doubt for Stuart Pearce’s young England squad who play in the European under-21 championships in Sweden in June.