Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City headlines for Sunday, September 4.
Cullen set for spell on sidelines
Swansea City boss Russell Martin says striker Liam Cullen is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder during Saturday's 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers.
The 23-year-old landed awkwardly just moments after coming on as a substitute in the 64th minute, receiving prolonged treatment before being helped from the field.
Read more: Russell Martin's bold QPR selection pays off as Swansea City have welcome dilemmas to solve
The academy product was replaced by deadline day signing Fin Stevens as the Swans held on for their first home win of the season, and Martin admits the initial prognosis doesn't look promising.
“It looks like he has dislocated his shoulder," he said. "We are devastated for Culls. He deserves to be in the squad, he deserved to come on and he was so tenacious and then that happens.
“We have had two players suffer that injury within two or three weeks of each other, which is obviously unusual. It’s not the most common of injuries in football, and we are gutted for him.
"We hope we can get some positive news, but it looks unlikely at the minute. He is a brilliant young man and I know he will work so hard to come back stronger than he is now."
Cooper hoping for more
Swansea City midfielder Oli Cooper is eyeing further opportunities under Russell Martin after producing another impressive showing in the win over Queens Park Rangers.
Having progressed through the age groups at Landore, Cooper spent last year on loan at Newport County in League Two, an experience he says has helped prepare him for the demands of the Championship.
Speaking after his first home league start, a game where he supplied an assist for striker Joel Piroe, the 22-year-old said: “It was amazing finally being out there from the first whistle and playing in front of all the fans, hearing them chant your name – it’s amazing.
“It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for ages and it’s finally here. I just want to keep playing in front of the fans. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for such a long, long time.
“I was in and around the squad the season before last and you just want to get out there and play football in front of the home fans – I finally managed to do it and I enjoyed every minute of it.
“The loan last season was massive for me personally, not just in game management, but understanding the game and everything. It was a really important step for me to allow me to come back and hit the ground running which is what I feel I’ve done so far.
“I want to play in this team, I want to play for the gaffer and when I get on the pitch I want to show what I can do and now I’m being given the opportunity. Luckily I managed to get an assist. I probably should have scored one but we won’t talk about that. We’ll focus on the assist!”
Benda's patience pays off
Steven Benda admits he was delighted to be handed the chance to impress, after making his first senior start for the Swans in 13 months.
The German keeper produced an impressive performance to help Russell Martin’s side claim a first home victory of the season on Saturday, denying Wales international Tyler Roberts with an excellent save during the closing stage, having previously kept out the likes of Ilias Chair and Lyndon Dykes.
“It has been a long time for me, so it was great to get the three points and a clean sheet," he said. “I have worked really hard and I have tried to stay ready and I am just glad to help the team.
“As a goalkeeper it is difficult because only one can play and it’s not like other positions where you have the chance to come on. But, for me, personally I am always working hard. I am always in the gym doing extras, but it is a case of being patient."
Swansea Ladies begin title defence
Swansea City Ladies begin their Genero Adran Premier title defence on Sunday evening (September 4) at home to Cardiff Met.
Swans skipper and defender Alicia Powe says their league opener at the Swansea.com Stadium will be one of the highlights of her career, admitting playing at the stadium was something she and her team-mates - who usually play their home matches at Llandarcy Academy of Sport - never expected to have the opportunity to do.
“It’s a huge statement starting the league at the Swansea.com Stadium, and it’s not just a statement for us as a club, but it shows how the women’s game is progressing,” Powe said.
“It’s an honour to be a part of it. For me personally it is probably one of the biggest events I’ve been a part of in football, and I’m glad we’ve got to this point.
“There is such a buzz around the team since we found out, and I think all the girls are looking forward to being able to use this platform to show what Swans Ladies are all about.”
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