Liam Cullen hails Swansea City medical team after scoring on early return
Liam Cullen paid credit to Swansea City’s medical team after he marked his early return from injury with a goal in the 2-2 draw with Wycombe.
The 21-year-old came off the bench on Saturday to bag a point for the Swans as they came from 2-0 down against the Chairboys.
The Wales Under-21 international had been sidelined since January with an ankle injury sustained during the FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest – a game in which he scored twice.
Cullen had been expected to sit out the rest of the season, but successful surgery paved the way for his early return.
And he made a big impact after replacing Wayne Routledge as he dived in to head home the equaliser with seven minutes remaining.
“The injury was a big disappointment because I didn’t expect it to be as bad as it was,” said Cullen.
“In the end I needed surgery, but I kept positive and worked as hard as possible in training.
“Initially we thought it was season over for me. The surgery went really well – the surgeon did an unbelievable job.
“The credit must go to our medical team though, because they’ve helped me all along the way and got me to the stage I’m at.
“I didn’t want to push it, but I couldn’t believe how well it went.
“It’s important not to over-do it. It was my first game back and I can’t go from being injured to 100mph.
“I have full confidence in the gaffer and the medical team as they’ll know what’s best.”
Cullen’s strike was his third goal of the season – and the first headed goal of his senior career.
And he was delighted to have made a difference in the game as the hard work in rehab paid off.
“I was just happy to get back on the pitch and put the shirt on,” said Cullen. “To get the equaliser was an amazing feeling after working so hard for 10 weeks.
“Connor had the ball on the right flank and I just wanted to get behind the defender before making my run. I then just threw everything at I, and it went into the net.
“It’s a feeling I’ve really missed since January.”
