Michael Reeves
At the age of twenty-three things could finally be working out for Liam Cullen after the striker netted a third goal in as many games for the Swans in Friday night’s 4-0 demolition of Watford at the Swansea.com stadium.
Handed a first league start in more than twelve months, Cullen repaid the faith shown in him by Russell Martin with a superb display capped by the crucial second goal that followed up his strikes at Coventry and Reading either side of Christmas.
It was just a twentieth league appearance for the Swans for Cullen but this could be the time that he is repaying the faith that the Swans have shown in him especially with the futures of Michael Obafemi and Jamie Paterson both looking uncertain.
Dubbed the “Tenby Messi” stated Martin with a smirk on his face he was full of praise for Cullen on Friday night admitting that the striker could have had it easier “It has not been an easy journey for him. He has been patient, he has persevered and he deserved the chance to be on the pitch because he has made an impact in the last couple of games.”
Cullen has often been written off at the Swans for his fleeting appearances and many felt that the Championship may be a level too high for him. But on the evidence of the past few weeks it may just be that he has taken longer to adapt than anyone would have wanted and now he is coming good just as we always hoped that he would do.
“He went out on loan last season, but guys like him, Ollie Cooper, Ben Cabango and Joe Allen have something special because they have come through the academy and they really care about the club.
“Culls cares as much as anyone I have ever seen, and Joel Piroe even said to me this week that he thinks Liam Cullen is good for him.
“I think you can see and understand why. They have a nice connection and hopefully that can build,” added Martin in a clear reference that Obafemi and Paterson’s time here is probably done.
“He is all-in every day, he trains so hard and he leaves nothing on the pitch. He gives us everything he has got.
“He is someone who is willing to go through a bit of pain for you, it has been a bit stop-start for him since we have been here.”
It now appears that it is more start than stop for Cullen and that can surely only be a good thing for both club and player?
interesting article! with local youth came well