The Finland international midfielder, who has recently returned to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury, is on loan at St Andrews until the end of the season and although he is yet to return to the starting X1 he has said that he will be challenging for a first team start.
"I have one more year at Sunderland on my contract. If the club tell me I am staying, then I stay," he has said.
"I am really open-minded on my future. I will just play to the end of the season with Birmingham and hopefully I will get a few more games.
"When you see what the team has done this year, it's really good. It's hard to say what will happen but I am open-minded."
"I am pleased I am back. My knee feels good. I haven't had any problems since the operation.
"The injury is done and dusted and I hope I can get to play a part.
"I had a chat with the manager when I was near to fitness and he said it would be tough to get in again because the team was playing well.
"When I was out, a few midfielders came in. You need a big squad because there are a lot of games. There is a big fight for places here.
"There are a very good bunch of midfielders here. But I am ready for the challenge."