Bolton Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman says West Bromwich Albion defender Craig Dawson has become a better player for his loan.
He accepts that the centre-half's future probably lies in the Black Country.
"When I go into agreements, I don't go in with the intention of pulling the wool over anyone's eyes," said Freedman.
"There were five or six clubs who wanted to take Craig on loan and I told Steve Clarke that if he sent him to us I would develop him as a young man and as a player - and in that order.
"He is maturing, he is getting game time, and I will hand him back to West Brom better for the experience, I guarantee. We're on track to do that. What will happen in the future, we'll have to wait and see."