Liam Cullen: Swansea forward eager to face Leeds United's 'Taffia'
- Published
Liam Cullen's goal at Hull gave Swansea City their first Championship win since New Year's Day
Swansea City's Liam Cullen is looking forward to seeing his club and country mates in the Leeds United ranks on Tuesday night.
But the Wales striker admits friendship will be put aside for 90 minutes against the Elland Road "Taffia".
Leeds could feature four of Cullen's Wales squad team-mates, along with ex-Swans forward Joel Piroe.
"It will be nice to see them, but for that 90 minutes it won't be," said the 24-year-old west Walian.
"We have to do our jobs, we have to go again and look to get the three points at home. Our home form is something we can really improve on and hopefully we can start that on Tuesday night."
Leeds are third in the table after Saturday's 3-0 win at Rotherham in which former Swans and current Wales centre-back Joe Rodon started, as did Robert Page's midfield operator Ethan Ampadu - son of former Swansea player Kwame Ampadu.
Wales full back Connor Roberts, a former Swan on loan from Burnley, made his Leeds debut as a substitute in the victory. And Joel Piroe, who Leeds signed from Swansea for £10m plus this summer, was also a second half replacement, having chalked up 10 goals this term.
Only ex-Swansea Wales winger Dan James was missing because of injury. But the Welsh speed merchant, who with Piroe scored against his old club in a 3-1 win at Elland Road in November, is expected to be fit for a return to the Swansea.com Stadium.
Cullen, who showed his finishing skills with a superbly taken goal to earn Saturday's 1-0 win at Hull, knows what to expect from at least one of his old team mates.
He could come face-to-face with Rodon, who is on loan at Leeds from Tottenham Hotspur.
"I am expecting a few kicks, but he can expect a couple back. I am looking forward to that on Tuesday night, some familiar faces, it will be nice to go up against them and hopefully we can come out on top."
Kilgetty-born Cullen's winner at Hull was his fifth of the campaign and was the third time he had netted the vital goal in a 1-0 victory this term. He also scored late to earn a 2-2 draw at Coventry.
Significantly, Cullen, who made his Wales debut in October's 4-0 win over Gibraltar at the Racecourse, was selected in the centre forward role and said: "I never have a problem playing any position for this club, I will always play to the best of my ability.
"But if it was up to me then I would play as a nine and through the middle, that's where I feel at my best and feel most natural.
"The gaffer obviously put his faith in me and I am just really happy I could repay that by getting the winning goal [at Hull].
The win at the MKM Stadium also ended manager Williams' search for a first Championship victory since taking over in early January.
According to Cullen, the players are delighted to have put that wait to an end.
"It is massive, for not just the squad but I think for the whole club. Obviously I am buzzing with the win but I am really happy for the gaffer and his staff, they deserve that.
"The way they have been since they have come in, they have been absolutely top. We love working with them every day.
"The staff that are still here who were here at the start of the season are a real tight knit group and we love working together and coming in every day.
"Ultimately we want to win for each other and we want to win for the fans."