Wolves stopper Matija Sarkic has said he would be open to dropping down to the U21s this season in order to get minutes under his belt.
The 25-year-old has been promoted to the position of number two first-team goalkeeper at Molineux.
There was some speculation about his future a few weeks back. Birmingham City had apparently hoped to re-sign him after his loan spell last season was cut short. And he himself had suggested he’d be open to returning.
Sarkic suffered a dislocated shoulder, which needed surgery.
His season was over in January, and the Montenegro international returned to Wolves for rehab.
But he’s now back fit again, and looking to challenge Jose Sa.
Sa was simply superb for Wanderers last season, and a big reason why the club were able to push for European football.
Ultimately the team came up way short, but Sa’s consistency was very impressive.
Sarkic knows he’s got a tough challenge on his hands to get minutes this season, but he’s open to playing youth football in order to keep himself ticking over.
He told the Express & Star: “I’m open to that if it will benefit me, then why not.
“But my eyes are set on the first-team at the moment. If I think it’s something that I need and will help me progress, then of course.”
Impressive mentality from Matija Sarkic with star open to playing for U21s
It is really good to see Sarkic being open to playing youth football.
He is now the number two, but it could be that opportunities are few and far between. That was something Ruddy found out over the past few years.
We know Sa’s quality, so Sarkic may have to be patient for a run of games.
It’s great to hear him talking about dropping down to play games for the U21s though.
Sarkic is clearly an individual with humility and determination, and these things will stand him in good stead for his career.