Lively sparrow avoiding pointer with good reason (9)

I believe the answer is:

sprightly

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'lively' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'pointer with good reason' is the wordplay.
'pointer' becomes 'sp' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with good reason' becomes 'rightly' (I've seen this before).
'sp'+'rightly'='SPRIGHTLY'

'sparrow avoiding' acts as a link.
This may not be correct. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

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(Other definitions for sprightly that I've seen before include "Moving nimbly" , "Vivacious" , "Lively" , "Brisk" , "Active" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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