Liam Cullen put on an impressive display for Swansea City who beat Rotherham United 1-0 in the Championship at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

It was the first time that Cooper had named Cullen in the starting line-up and the youngster did not disappoint.

This was a proud day for the 21-year-old and his family who comes from the Kilgetty area, he has really set-down his marker with an impressive display which led to manager Steve Cooper singing his praises.

Cullen has been in good form playing for the Swans U23s and last week he featured for Wales U21s who were narrowly beaten 2-1 in Germany.

The striker made his senior debut earlier this year, he has come right through the academy ranks with the Swans from the age of eight.

He grabbed his senior first goal for the club in their play-off clinching victory over Reading last season, he’s been chomping at the bit to get picked in the starting line-up.

“Liam is a local boy who has been in the academy forever. He deserved his opportunity, deserved his chance and he did really well,” said Cooper.

“The icing on the cake would have been one of his shots or chances going in, which you do fancy him to do to be honest, because he is a goal scorer.  

“I was pleased to see how he handled the level; he didn’t look like a young boy making his first start. He looked like a lad who had played games before and he’ll become an attribute for the squad. 

“We’re missing players unfortunately through no fault of our own, which is always frustrating, but we’ll deal with it as it comes along. We showed a lot of character today, and I was pleased with that.”