Swansea City Under-18s Austria Liam Cullen

Young striker Liam Cullen hailed Swansea City Under-18s' two-week training camp in Austria as "the perfect preparation" ahead of the new season.

During their two weeks in Austria the Under-18s trained at Südstadt National Sport Centre, played two pre-season friendlies and had the opportunity to take in the sights of the capital Vienna as part of the Erasmus funded trip.

A 3-2 victory over Austrian side SC Wiener Neustadt kicked off the tour before a convincing 5-1 win over Hull City Academy, with Cullen scoring three times.

And the Tenby product feels the young Swans are heading in the right direction as they prepare for the new season.

"A tour like this is not just about gaining match fitness and getting ready for the new season," said Cullen.

"It helps bond the team together, which is key for any successful season. The tour really helped us get to know each other, find out how we work, play and what our characters are like. 

"On the pitch, pre-season has been much tougher than this time last year but that can only help us in the long run.

"It's been the perfect preparation for the new season."

The 17-year-old, who signed his first professional deal with the club in May, has been handed the captain's armband for the new season - a decision Cullen believes will only help improve his game. 

"I am really pleased to have been named captain for the coming season," he said. "To get the captaincy is a big confidence boost for me going into the season.

"Taking a lead role is a new challenge for me and something I want to thrive on. I have big aims and expect a lot from myself this season."

The young Swans continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Exeter City this afternoon at Landore Training Ground (1pm kick off).

"We must look to pick up where we left off," added Cullen.

"On a personal note, it was good to be on the scoresheet in Austria. It was a boost to my confidence, I just need to continue this form and take it into the season.

"As a team, it is no secret we struggled this time last year but we already feel much more prepared for this season. 

"We have much more confidence to go and attack to get the best result we can. We will try to dictate games more rather than grinding out results when the kick-off does come next month."