Exclusive: Whether Sky pundit thinks Birmingham City could sign Sunderland's Patrick Roberts permanently | OneFootball

Don Goodman has told FLW his verdict on whether Birmingham should pursue a permanent move for Patrick Roberts

Don Goodman believes any permanent deal for Patrick Roberts would have to depend on the cost for Birmingham City.

The playmaker made the temporary switch from Sunderland to St. Andrew’s late in the summer, and has become a regular presence in Chris Davies’ side.

The 28-year-old has contributed one goal and one assist from five appearances, which include three starts, since moving back to the Championship.

The Sunderland player was an important part of the Black Cats’ promotion success last year before his switch to the Blues, where he registered two goals and seven assists from 45 regular league appearances, and shone in their play-off final victory over Sheffield United.

Roberts has established himself as a force at Championship level in recent years, having first really made his name on loan at Celtic from Manchester City - where Davies was on the coaching staff at the time.

Davies will be hoping he can have a similar impact over the full campaign, particularly with his side struggling for form in these opening weeks of the season.

Don Goodman's verdict on potential permanent Patrick Roberts, Sunderland deal for Birmingham City

Goodman has expressed his surprise at the lack of creativity in the Birmingham side so far this season, with the team struggling for goals.

He noted the difference in the style of play between Sunderland and the Blues, and is unsure whether Davies’ team are set up to get the best out of Roberts, explaining that any permanent move will depend on the cost of a potential deal.

Another factor, of course, will be the outcome of Sunderland's survival bid in the Premier League. The Black Cats have enjoyed a strong start, having deemed Roberts surplus to requirements at top-flight level, but if they were to suffer relegation under Regis Le Bris, it's likely that the winger would be reinstated on Wearside.

“I think a lot of us have been a little bit surprised about the lack of creativity that Birmingham City have shown in the opening nine games, really,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“So it was a good move to bring Patrick Roberts in.

“He’s not really noted for his goal scoring, but he certainly does create opportunities, so I guess the answer to should they explore a permanent deal would depend on a variety of things.

“I look at the way Birmingham play and the way Sunderland played last season, two very different styles.

“Birmingham [are] very possession-heavy, Sunderland happy to let the opponent have the ball and spring pretty quickly.

“I wonder whether that would be more to Patrick Roberts’ [style], get the best out of him.

“But there’s no doubt that there’s a talent there, so ultimately it would come down to what the deal would cost.”

Birmingham City's difficult form

Birmingham are currently sitting 16th in the Championship table going into the October international break.

The Blues drew 1-1 with fellow promoted side Wrexham last time out, which has seen their winless run go into a third game.

Davies will be under pressure to turn things around, with Birmingham’s sights set on a promotion fight again as they eye a return to the Premier League.

Next up for the Midlands outfit is a home clash against Hull City on 18 October in a 3pm kick-off.

Chris Davies needs to figure out his best Birmingham City side

Birmingham brought in a lot of fresh faces in the summer, and it’s evident that Davies is still struggling to figure out the best way to set up the team.

Configuring the side to get the best out of Roberts could help the other attackers thrive, given his creative talents.

He’s been prominent enough for Birmingham since signing that Davies could be keen to keep him if he can continue contributing in the final third.

It’s difficult to see him having a role in the Sunderland side going forward due to their strong start without him in the Premier League, which could work in the Blues’ favour.