This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Birmingham City have enjoyed a solid start to the season, with their latest win over Barnsley making it seven points from a possible 12 and leaving the Blues in eighth place in the early season Championship table.

Blues manager Pep Clotet also has the boost of the return of left-back Maxime Colin for the weekend trip to Swansea City, following a return to fitness for the 27-year-old who was forced to miss the victory over Barnsley with a slight strain, as reported on Birmingham Live.

So how big a boost to Clotet is the return of Colin?

We discuss........

George Dagless

"It's perfect timing.

"Birmingham are doing okay under Pep Clotet so far this season and he'll be relatively pleased with what he has seen from his side.

"Getting someone as experienced as Colin back into the team is going to only be a boost, too, especially with high-flying Swansea on the way this weekend.

"The Blues' back-line could well be what gives them a real chance this season, and Colin is going to be a key figure in that I would think."

Josh Cole

“This is without a shadow of a doubt great news for Birmingham City as losing Colin for a prolonged period would have been detrimental to their 2019/20 Championship campaign.

“Since joining the Blues from Brentford in 2017, the Frenchman has established himself as the club’s first-choice right-back, making 83 appearances in all competitions.

“Although Birmingham did not exactly struggle in Colin’s absence on Tuesday against Barnsley, it will nevertheless be a big boost to have him back in the squad for their visit to Swansea City this weekend.

“However, given just how impressive Wes Harding was at St Andrew’s in midweek, Colin may not make an immediate return to the Blues’ starting eleven and thus will have to work hard in training in order to catch Pep Clotet’s eye.”

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Gary Hutchinson

“Yes, this is a huge boost for the manager. Colin is an experienced and talented full back and he adds both stability and balance to the back four.

“They had a good win against Barnsley and both Steve Seddon and Will Harding looked very comfortable, so it’s as much about competition for places as it is a spot in the first team.

“I can’t see him coming straight back into the side, not after a good win, but he’ll be back on the fringes almost straight away.

“I’m quite impressed with Birmingham so far. The 3-0 defeat at Forest wasn’t a high point though and Colin played in that, so he’s got his work cut out getting back in the side.”