Matija Sarkic admits he ‘couldn’t say no’ once he found out Birmingham City were keen on taking him on loan. The goalkeeper, who has kept four clean sheets in his first six Blues games, concedes that two months ago he never expected to be first choice at St Andrew’s. However, Neil Etheridge’s battle with Covid-19 saw the former Aston Villa man make season-long loan move across the West Midlands from Wolverhampton Wanderers. After a wobble in pre-season the 24-year-old is silencing the doubters – with another solid display coming against Derby County in last Friday’s 2-0 victory.
Matija Sarkic said: “It was a deserved win. We executed the game plan really well, especially with the first goal. We knew they were going to try and play out and they take risks, so the first goal was what we anticipated. We were very solid at the back and limited their chances so, overall, it was a really good performance. The boys in front of me – not just the defence – but the boys in front of that and the line in front were all doing a good job and limiting opportunities. That’s how you keep clean sheets. Communication. Helping each other out. Backing up your teammate. All credit to them. Goalkeepers get a lot of praise for keeping clean sheets but it’s not all down to them. When there’s not a lot of opportunities it’s down to the rest of the players, too.”
Rumours Sarkic would be coming to Blues started shortly after it emerged Etheridge had been hospitalised. He signed just before the first summer friendly at Cheltenham but conceded a poor goal when caught in possession a week later at Northampton and went on to have struggles against West Brom. However, he admits his current situation was not one he foresaw.
Matija Sarkic said: “I’m going to say no. But I’ve been waiting for a long time for an opportunity to prove myself. When it came up that Birmingham were interested in me I couldn’t say no because I know what I can do. So I backed myself and hopefully I’ll keep playing well and help the team. As a goalkeeper you are always going to make mistakes. We’re always under pressure. It’s how you deal with them and bounce back from them. The saying is: ‘Better in pre-season than during the season,’ so yeah I saw it as a challenge. Sure I got criticism for mistakes but my attitude was how can I turn that into a positive, like I’ve just done. Perform well, keep some clean sheets, and it can all change. It’s part of the journey. Not playing. Being patient. Working hard – especially as a goalkeeper because there is only one starting spot. I’ve had to bide my time and take the opportunity when it comes, like I’ve done.”
Etheridge is working his way back to fitness, although no timescale has been put on his return yet.
Matija Sarkic said: “It’s my job to make sure there isn’t a decision there. All credit to Neil, he’s been through a tough time with Covid and been to hospital. He’s done really well to come back and be fit but it’s my job to keep helping the team to do well.”
