Carlton Palmer has praised the appointment of Valerien Ismael as West Bromwich Albion's new head coach, insisting the future is bright at the Hawthorns.

Ismael has moved into Albion's hotseat, signing a four-year deal, after a compensation package was agreed with Barnsley for his services.

West Brom had initially been frustrated in their efforts to welcome Sam Allardyce's successor after the former England boss decided against signing a new contract following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Owner Guochuan Lai reportedly blocked the potential appointments of ex-Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder and Lincoln City chief Michael Appleton, while David Wagner ruled himself out of the running by taking charge of Swiss champions Young Boys.

The Baggies then turned to Ismael, who led Barnsley to the Championship play-off places having only taken over from Gerhard Struber last October.

Palmer, who made more than 100 appearances for West Brom during his playing career, believes Ismael is capable of leading the club back into the top flight at the first time of asking.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Palmer said: "West Brom struggled to entice managers to come to the football club and that's because of the financial constraints that are going to be in place for the coming season.

"The transformation that Ismael oversaw at Barnsley was nothing less than sensational with a very small budget. I actually think it's a perfect fit for West Brom and he will have funds available. He will have a lot more than he would have at Barnsley, so I think the future is very bright for West Brom.

"Barnsley played some very attractive football and he is a very organised, forward-thinking manager."