This article is part of Football League World's 'Regular Punter' series, where we gather original opinions from select, passionate fans of the clubs concerned on matters surrounding their team and share them with a wider audience...

Birmingham City made a return to winning ways in the Championship last Friday as they secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough at St Andrew's.

After Fran Villalba gave the Blues the lead in the 33rd minute, the Smoggies levelled up proceedings in the second-half as Daniel Ayala bundled home.

With the clash seemingly heading towards a draw, Odin Bailey nodded in the winner for Birmingham following neat work from Dan Crowley.

Although he didn't grab any headlines during this particular game, Ivan Sunjic nevertheless delivered an assured performance in the heart of the Blues' midfield.

Since joining Birmingham for an undisclosed fee in July from Dinamo Zagreb (via BBC Sport), the 23-year-old has emerged as a mainstay in Pep Clotet's starting eleven.

Given that the Blues are currently only four points adrift of the play-off places in the Championship, Sunjic will be looking to help his side push on over the coming months.

Football League World fan pundit Alex Young believes that the Croatian will only get better as time passes by.

"Sunjic has hit the ground running at Birmingham - adding much needed steel to the midfield.

"His reading of the game and anticipation are already of a high standard, improving on the likes of David Davis and Gary Gardner.

"At the age of 23, his best years are ahead of him."

Whilst Young has been impressed with Sunjic, he believes that the midfielder may not be able to lead the club to a top-six finish this season.

"A top-six finish may be a big ask for a team in transition; but hungry players such as Sunjic can certainly help Birmingham build momentum.

"Offering cover for midfield partner Jude Bellingham in the home tie against Middlesbrough, Sunjic's qualities allowed the teenager the freedom to surge forward and build attacks with Villalba and Crowley.

"Whilst breaking into the top-six might be a tall order, with such an exciting young core of talent and an emerging system utilising these players' strengths, there is cause for optimism.

The Birmingham fan pundit has suggested that Sunjic's recent form could force Davis and Gardner to pick up their performance levels at St Andrew's.

"For the likes of Davis and Gardner, Sunjic's thunderous start to his Blues career should provide inspiration.

"With the recent signing of Josh McEachran and how his skill-set complements Sunjic's abilities, Davis and Gardner may find their minutes on the pitch reduced even further.

"However, their experience must not be underestimated - they can help guide and motivate these younger players and will certainly have a part to play as Birmingham build an enthralling, youthful, attacking side."

[freshpress-poll ]