Cullen hoping to inspire

Liam Cullen hopes Graham Potter's rising stars will inspire a new generation of local lads to play for Swansea City.

The 19-year-old forward made his debut in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat against Premier League Crystal Palace, coming off the bench for the final 15 minutes.

Cullen joined the Swans at the age of eight and featured for the club's under-18 side when he was just 13.

He made 21 appearances for the under-23s last season and now has a first senior appearance under his belt.

A former Liberty season ticket holder, Cullen was one of seven Swans debutants on Tuesday night, six of whom have spent time in the club's academy.

And he hopes the fact that Potter is so willing to give youth a chance will inspire a new generation of local footballers.

“It was a dream come true for me to make my senior debut,” the Wales Under-21 international said.

“I’ve been playing football since I was a kid and playing senior football is something every young player dreams of.

“I came to the Liberty every season growing up to watch the first team and on Tuesday I was finally one of them on the pitch.

“The little kids were watching me like I used to watch the first team, so hopefully I've helped inspire some of them.

“It’s great to see so many young players being given these opportunities with the first team.

“It only gives you extra motivation to work even harder in training every day and to keep impressing the manager and his staff on the training pitch.

“My target now will be to get more opportunities in the future and to try to take them to stay in the team.”