Having made just five first-team appearances for Aston Villa, Callum Robinson struggled to translate his success at academy level into the senior side.

The versatile forward was a shining light for the club's U23s, playing 42 times and scoring 19 goals and providing a further seven assists too.

But despite that, he didn't get much of a look-in at Villa Park, instead spending most of his time on loan at Preston North End and Bristol City.

And it was with Preston that he really made his mark, impressing enough to earn a permanent move to the club in the summer of 2016 - reports have suggested that they paid just £170k to prise him away from Villa.

After bagging a total of 41 goals at Deepdale, Robinson joined Sheffield United, before heading on loan to Villa's fierce local rivals West Brom in January (he sealed a permanent move there in the summer).

The Hawthorns has seen his develop into a first-team star at Premier League level under Slaven Bilic's management, featuring in every single top-flight game this season.

His stand-out performance no doubt was his brace in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Chelsea.

Given Villa are seeing the fruits of their labour in giving young academy talents a genuine chance in the first-team in Jack Grealish, it's no doubt a huge disappointment that they let Robinson slip through the net.

It's even more galling that he's doing the business for the enemy too.

Roberto Di Matteo may have not lasted long at the club, but ultimately, he was in charge when Robinson completed his permanent switch to Preston.

And now Villa are paying for his mistake.