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 have given Matija Sarkic the chance to prove his mettle in the Championship this campaign - and so far so good for the keeper, as he has been a first-team regular and has managed to produce some good showings in-between the sticks for the club.

With first-team football hard to come by at Wolves, it seemed as though a loan move might be the most beneficial thing for the shot-stopper this season.

Challenged in the second tier with the Blues, he has so far produced the goods and proven that he is a more than capable choice in goal at this level. With the player having become a regular in the side so far - and managing to look bright in doing so - it begs the question of whether Lee Bowyer should make the move permanent when he can.

But should Birmingham part ways with the cash needed to do so? Would he ever get a chance at Wolves if he did return or would he be better served staying with the Blues? Could he get better if allowed to stay on at St Andrew's and become one of the best goalkeepers in the league? Here is our verdict...

Marcus Ally

At the beginning of the season it looked like Sarkic was just keeping the gloves warm in waiting for Neil Etheridge to come back from injury, but he has clearly impressed Lee Bowyer a lot to keep his place between the sticks despite the Philippines international’s return to fitness.

Sarkic’s deal at Molineux runs until the end of next season and therefore he could be available at a reduced price when his loan ends in May. With the ageing John Ruddy providing cover for Jose Sa, there is an argument that Wolves will need a new backup goalkeeper at some stage in the future, Sarkic, 24, has honed his trade in the EFL and is developing nicely to fill that role.

It would be worth pursuing but the chances are Wolves will not want to lose Sarkic in the summer and finances could be prioritised elsewhere at St Andrew’s with Etheridge offering a competent option to replace the loanee next season.

Billy Mulley

I am not entirely convinced that a permanent move for Matija Sarkic is necessary, but at the same time, he has proven to be a strong Championship goalkeeper who has a very high ceiling.

It is likely that Wolves would demand quite a hefty fee for Sarkic, given his age and obvious quality, and it remains to be seen if Birmingham would be willing to engage in that kind of business.

For me, the Blues have an excellent shot-stopper in Neil Etheridge, who is likely to pounce if given a sniff at first-team football at St Andrew's once again.

Etheridge also has another three or four years at the top of his game, and for that reason, I am not too sure that a move for Sarkic on a permanent deal is fully justified.

On the other hand, Sarkic is seven years younger and could progress with the club's high ambitions, and would be somewhat of a statement signing.

Ned Holmes

Absolutely, but I'm not sure Wolves will be interested in selling him.

The 24-year-old has kept 10 clean sheets in 21 Championship games this term – the most of any goalkeeper in the division – and that record is made all the more impressive given the Blues are mid-table at the moment.

Signing Sarkic permanently would seem a masterstroke and may well mean the keeper position is settled for them for some time.

Unfortunately, no matter what Birmingham want it is Wolves that have the final say and it's hard to see them letting a talented young shot-stopper leave.

Even if they were open to selling him, you'd imagine there will be sides capable of outbidding the St Andrews outfit.

It's hard not to fall in love with loan players like Sarkic but sadly for Bluenoses, it's very hard to see this one staying for good.