I had to watch Michael Kightly three times before getting a true reflection of his ability. The first time I checked him out he was so bad there was little positive I could write. The second time I was watching someone else in a game he was playing, and although he was not outstanding he did enough to give me something to think about. So much so that I travelled to Cardiff hoping to see a performance that convinced me this 21-year-old is the player so many have spoken so highly about.

For 90 minutes there were lots of good things to see in the midfielder's game. Most important of all was an ability to do things well in every situation, whether on the right or left wing. He was exceptionally busy on the night, the type of player that gives others inspiration, even when games are not going according to plan, a player that others look towards to create opportunities. That can be scoring a goal or providing a chance for a team-mate - in essence, a player that others believe can change a game, which is exactly what Kightly did at Cardiff, with a quite brilliantly taken goal to bring Wolves level.

He received the ball in his own half and ran 50 yards before playing a one-two and, from an angle, slid the ball into the corner of the net with the outside of his boot. The goal not only proved that he could finish but also showed he has a fantastic ability to receive balls in his path at pace no matter how difficult they are to control. The momentum he has from doing that can often take him past two players.

Kightly is not a flying machine, like Aaron Lennon, nor a crossing machine like David Beckham, more someone who falls in between. In other words he is prepared to run with the ball from deep, giving his opposing full-back something to think about as with two good feet he can go left or right. And he is not afraid to shoot with either foot or to play with his centre-forward in and around the box.

It was interesting to see how Kightly surprised opponents with his defending, appearing out of vision and winning the ball from the "wrong" side - behind the player. Considering he has only played around 50 professional games I liked his choice of when to try to be expansive and when to play safe with a percentage ball. It meant he rarely gave possession away and showed a maturity beyond his years.

This is a player who has made huge progress in a short time - a year ago he was playing for Grays Athletic in the Conference - but this will come as no surprise to the people who named him the Ryan Giggs of the non-league after it was said Manchester United were interested in him. His agent was obviously doing his job well.

He was signed by Wolves on loan for two months in November 2006 and scored the winner in only his second game, a 1-0 win at QPR. The move was made permanent in January and such was the impression he made so quickly on the Wolverhampton public that only the popular goalkeeper Matt Murray stopped him winning the player of the year award.

Although he took a little longer to make that sort of impression on me I am now just like all the rest - a real fan.

Age 21

Born Basildon

Position Midfield

Height 5ft 9in

Weight 10st

From Grays Ath

Shooting 8/10

Passing 8/10

Pace 8/10

Team responsibility 8/10

Crossing 8/10

Valuation ￡1-1.5m