Liam Cullen happy to make most of leading role

Liam Cullen was delighted to mark his return to his preferred number nine position with a goal after he fired Swansea City to a 1-0 win over play-off chasing Hull City at the MKM Stadium.

The Wales international’s winner came in the 11th minute as he turned in Josh Tymon’s low corner delivery to complete a set-piece move straight off the training ground, and the Swans were good value for their three points as they boasted the better chances while Carl Rushworth was largely untroubled.

It was an important result for head coach Luke Williams as he picked up his first league win as Swans’ boss, with the visitors getting their deserved reward for an impressive performance against one of the league’s top performing sides this season.

And Cullen - who led the line for the Swans in attack - revealed how a double training session early in the week had laid the groundwork for the success on Humberside.

“It’s massive for the lads and for the staff,” said Cullen.

“Obviously with a new group of staff coming in, we needed that win, we needed the three points.

“We’ve had a really good week on the training pitch, and we had a double day to really nail down some things. It was tough, but it was really needed.

“We came into this game with confidence. Last week was a bit of a low point, because we played so well and created so many chances but ultimately we didn’t put the ball in the net.

“Being the nine, for me it was about making sure that when I got that chance I put it away. The first one I did, but I’m really annoyed I didn’t get the second one in the second half.

“I think Carl only had one big save to make in the game, which is good too. It’s a tough place to come, they are a tough team to play against, so we’re delighted with the three points.

“A few of us have said this week that we felt a good result was coming, and I’m pleased it was here.”

Cullen has been asked to play a variety of positions during Williams’ tenure. While mostly deployed as a right wing, he also filled in at right wing-back in the FA Cup tie at Bournemouth.

The arrivals of natural wingers Ronald, Przemysław Płacheta, and Charles Sagoe Jr, has allowed Cullen the chance to play through the middle, with head coach Williams saying ahead of the trip to Hull that he sees the forward mainly as a central option.

“I had chats with the gaffer and staff about playing more central,” he added.

“It’s the position I’ve grown up playing, and it’s the position that’s got me to where I am today.

“I never have a problem playing any position, especially for this club, I’ll do the best I can wherever I’m played, but I feel at my best and most comfortable through the middle as a number nine.

“That’s where you get the most chances, it’s your job to be there for those chances and put the ball in the net.

“Hopefully that’s the start of a good run of games and goals for me playing in that position.

“And hopefully I can be one of the players that helps put us in a good position, and helps us go on a good run.”

Cullen also thanked the travelling Jacks for their support against the Tigers, with the striker enjoying celebrating the win with the away end at the MKM Stadium as reward for their efforts making the long journey.

“The fans were massive for us, we’ve been through a tough spell, but the fans always come in their numbers, they’re always loud and proud and we couldn’t be more thankful to them,” he said