Kyle Bartley back in West Brom good books

The defender has been in outstanding form for the Baggies ever since Allardyce replaced Slaven Bilic as boss back in December.

But the Dudley-born chief wasn't as pleased with the talented centre-back when – as a youngster– he decided to leave Bolton for Arsenal back in 2007.

Allardyce was in charge of The Trotters at the time and had hoped Bartley would remain with the club.

"Strangely enough, I had Kyle when he was a very young player," Allardyce said when asked how impressed he has been with Bartley since taking charge at The Hawthorns.

"When he was a schoolboy he was at Bolton Wanderers and Arsenal bought him when he was 16.

"I wasn't very happy with him at the time but they paid a bit of money for him.

"Now he is coming to the age I think where his experience and his quality is standing out.

"He is a good talker and a good leader and we all know there aren't many of them about these days.

"That defensive unit has been – and will continue to be – the backbone of helping us get out of trouble if we are to do so.

"We have got a little bit more hope after beating Chelsea but it's still going to be a very difficult task."

Bartley's impressive performances in recent months have led to admiring glances from elsewhere with Burnley and Newcastle reportedly keeping tabs on the 29-year-old.

The defender put pen to paper on a three year deal when he joined Albion from Swansea on July 2018.

But the Express & Star understands the number of games he has played this season has triggered a one-year extension meaning he is now contracted to the club until the summer of 2022.