Kightly, whose last match was in November 2009, has been blighted with ankle and knee injuries which have seen his comeback constantly delayed.
But after the winger played in the 3-3 reserve team draw against Manchester United without any setbacks, McCarthy is hoping that his injury hell is at an end.
"He was excellent and he's been training really well," the former Sunderland boss said. "He had 45 minutes, feels great, and I'm really pleased with his progress.
"He'll come back when he's ready. I'm not rushing him. At this stage now, when he's been injured for so long, I would love to have him involved with the first team.
"Just having him on the bench and warming up would lift our crowd and lift the rest of us. As soon as he's ready, he'll be involved."
Source: PA
Source: PA