Jay Stansfield is Birmingham City’s leading scorer, and Tony Mowbray is getting more and more optimistic that the team can hold onto him. He has even hinted at the possibility of a permanent transfer in the future.

At the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, striker Stansfield, on loan from Fulham, scored his ninth goal of the year to help the Blues upset Stoke City 2-1. Stansfield scored against Hull City in the middle of the week to make it two goals in three games under Mowbray.

At the final siren, the 21-year-old was the center of attention as Blues won just their third game on the road in the Championship this year. Furthermore, Mowbray has emphasized once more how much Stansfield is relishing his stay at St Andrew’s.

“He is really enjoying his football and he is scoring goals,” Mowbray added. “I talk to him most days.” Would he like to return and sit on the bench for a few minutes here and there? A young player should, in my opinion, want to play, want to score, and want to show off his skills.

“There is nothing we can do if they do call him back. No, I’m not expecting it. While we have him, let’s just enjoy him.

Before signing a new four-year contract with Blues last August, Stansfield signed a new deal with Fulham. He has already received Premier League playing time and is well-regarded by the Cottagers. But Mowbray wants the Blues to seize the opportunity if it presents itself to sign Stansfield on a long-term basis.

“I believe we should definitely be in the market for (Stansfield) if there’s a number where he could definitely come and play here,” the Blues manager continued. I believe he finds it quite enjoyable.

“He would want to play in the Premier League if he believed he would play in the Premier League, but I’m very confident he would much rather play in the Championship and score goals than go and sit on the bench. Fulham made the decision, not us, but I can tell he’s having fun with it.

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