Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer believes his old side were lucky to get Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan from Arsenal.

Maitland-Niles joined the Baggies on a short-term deal in the last transfer window and has featured regularly in his preferred midfield position under Sam Allardyce.

Wanting to play in the middle of the park is something the 23-year-old has publicly spoken about, and he is now getting the opportunity to do just that at the Hawthorns.

Even so, Palmer does not expect the loanee to extend his stay at West Brom due to what looms ahead for the Midlands club.

When asked by TT whether he could see £35,000-a-week man Maitland-Niles dropping down to the Championship next season, the ex-West Brom player said:

"No. I mean, to be fair, West Brom were lucky to get him out because he was in the Arsenal team playing very, very well. And I think [Mikel] Arteta was a bit reluctant to let him go.

"He's a good player; he's a really good player. I don't see why it would be in his interest to drop in the Championship. He can play in the Premier League, and can play well in the Premier League."

Whatever happens, on an individual level, Maitland-Niles can be pleased with how this loan spell has gone.

At the Hawthorns, the England international has managed to get regular game time and in his favourite position. Prior, he had been used at right-back, where he still managed to impress some, including Jamie Carragher.