Liam Cullen: Swansea City begin contract extension talks with new Wales striker

Swans striker Liam Cullen made his Wales debut in the 4-0 friendly win over Gibraltar

Swansea City have started talks over extending the contract of new Wales international Liam Cullen.

He made his Wales bow in the 4-0 Gibraltar win but admits he still has a "point to prove" for club and country.

But Swansea boss Michael Duff believes the striker has the hunger to succeed.

"I have had a conversation with him but... the agent and Paul Watson (sporting director), that is when they pick it up and I think they have started dialogue," Duff said.

"The fact that he is starting every week shows that we think he is a good player."

Cullen's current Swans deal runs through to next summer, with an option of another year.

Duff believes the 24-year-old is building on his breakthrough season last term.

"I don't know loads of stats about him in terms of last year but I think he has had a good run of games now, I am not sure he has had that before and he has been good," said Swansea head coach Duff.

"Last year was a breakout year for him and now it's how you cement that and how he establishes himself in the team. He has loads of things to work on but he has enthusiasm, attitude and work rate.

"He obviously has quality because you don't get into a Wales team without quality. But the other thing is, he is prepared to work to help us get success and help himself, so hopefully he will represent his country at a tournament."

Cullen realises this could be a pivotal season in his career, particularly with the possibility of Wales being at the Euro 2024 tournament finals next summer.

'Euros are coming'

He said: "It's obviously a big year with my contract so I have a point to prove still and obviously the Euros are coming.

"Hopefully we can qualify next month and I can put in performances and show I deserve to be in the squad. It is a big year, there is no denying that, but I am just trying to take it game by game with Swansea until the next (international) break and then when that comes, if I am in the squad we will look at Armenia first and then Turkey.

"I think it's important for me not to look too far ahead and what is in front of me, so that is what I am going to do right now."

Kilgetty-born Cullen has been with the Swans since he joined their academy at the age of eight.

There has been transfer speculation linking him with Blackburn Rovers, who the Swans travel to play in the Championship on Saturday.

But the striker is phlegmatic about that noise and clearly relishes life with his boyhood club.

"I don't really take any notice of it. I get told it and sent it by friends to see if there is any truth in it," Cullen said.

"But like I say all the time, I have played here all my life and there is nothing a player would want more than to play for the club he supports. I am at the club I want to be at and hopefully I can keep doing that."

Meanwhile, Wales centre back Ben Cabango is in contention for a return to action at Blackburn, having been sidelined since 4 October, when he injured a hamstring in the 2-1 win over Norwich City.

His return will also be welcomed by Wales manager Rob Page as the defender also missed the recent wins over Gibraltar and Croatia.

Elsewhere, Swansea are still assessing the fitness of full-back Josh Key and Ukrainian striker Mykola Kuharevich.