Cullen ready to assume more responsibility

Liam Cullen admits he is ready to assume more responsibility as Swansea City Under-23s’ main striker after scoring his seventh league goal of the season.

The young Swans’ leading scorer was on target for the first time in five games on Friday, as he helped seal an impressive 2-0 victory over Chelsea in Premier League 2.

The 19-year-old has played in all 17 league games for the development side this season and, following Botti Biabi’s loan move to Macclesfield Town in January, has operated in the no.9 role in recent weeks.

And he admits he feels a greater sense of responsibility as the side’s lone striker.

“It has been a few games since I scored, so it was nice to get back on the scoresheet last night,” he said. “Hopefully, I can keep helping the team get more points.

“I always want to play in the no.9 role. I feel comfortable there and, with Botti going out on loan, the door is open for me to be the main man.

“Now, I have to take on that responsibility and lead the line as well as I can to try and help the team get the results we need.

“Regardless of where I play, I just want to keep working hard and, hopefully, the goals will keep coming.”

However, Cullen’s main focus is on dragging the Swans away from danger going into their five remaining matches of the PL2 season.

The development side are currently four points adrift, but he is confident that victory over Chelsea will provide the perfect springboard for them to build on.

“The goals are always important to me but, when I step on the pitch, the first thing I think about is working as hard as I can for the team,” he added.

“It was a massive win for us given the position we are in. The only thing we can do now is work as hard as we can to try and get results like we did last night.

“They have a huge reputation. Their academy is always able to bring in the best players from all over the world. Playing against them is only good for us and always a challenge – regardless of the age group – so, going there and performing like we did was very pleasing for us.

“Hopefully, we can build on that performance between now and the end of the season, establish consistency and, with a bit of luck, that will keep us in the league.”

Photo credit: Chelsea FC