West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan believes Martin Kelly could still have a part to play for the Baggies next season despite being loaned out to Wigan Athletic, speaking to Birmingham Live.

The ex-Crystal Palace player joined the Baggies on a two-year deal in the summer - but has found his game time limited with the likes of Dara O'Shea, Kyle Bartley, Erik Pieters and Semi Ajayi available as options for Corberan when fit.

Kelly can also operate at right-back but with Darnell Furlong and Taylor Gardner-Hickman able to operate there, the experienced defender's game time at The Hawthorns looked set to be limited for the remainder of the campaign.

With this, the Baggies decided to sanction a loan exit for the 32-year-old to league rivals Wigan, who may start him every week as the Latics look to secure survival against the odds.

In terms of his long-term future though, it's currently unclear where Kelly will be next season considering he isn't likely to be one of the first names on the teamsheet at Albion unless there's a major injury crisis.

That could mean he secures another exit in the summer - but Corberan isn't shutting the door on the 32-year-old just yet.

He told Birmingham Live: "It's true that you can't have five centre backs in the squad, all of them thinking that they're going to play. It's about which ones you think are closer to playing, and which ones it's going to be more difficult.

"You talk with the player honestly about the situation, find a solution for the team and for the player. It was exactly what we did with Kelly, it was a very good move for him and for us, because he is still going to be with us next year.

"The fact he is going to be playing minutes means that he can be in a position to help the team next year."

The Verdict:

It will be interesting to see what happens in terms of Cedric Kipre's future - because whether he remains at Albion beyond this term may determine whether Kelly is retained or sold in the summer.

Caleb Taylor also has to be considered because he could be a player that Corberan wants to retain and nurture ahead of a potential first-team breakthrough.

However, the ex-Huddersfield Town boss may want to send him on another loan deal instead so he can maximise his pitch minutes and that could potentially mean that Kelly still has a role to play in the Midlands.

What division the Baggies are in next season may also determine whether he stays or not - because if they are promoted - it wouldn't be a surprise to see Albion recruit a couple of top-quality centre-backs and a right-back.

That could mean that the 32-year-old becomes surplus to requirements and if that happens, it would be a shock if he isn't sold during the next window. With this, the defender needs to do his best to put himself in the shop window during his temporary spell at the DW Stadium.