Portsmouth transfer news: What Blues fans would have learned from Swansea striker Liam Cullen’s performance in FA Cup defeat to arch-rivals Southampton

Russell Martin’s squad has been dismantled by surging Covid cases in recent weeks, as a number of their league fixtures were postponed.

And due to a thread-bare squad on the weekend, the 22-year-old played 85 minutes of the eventual 3-2 defeat in the FA Cup.

Cullen’s inclusion in the starting XI was his first from the off since a 3-1 defeat in the Championship to Preston in late August.

But there were a number of positives to take from his performance against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

The first thing to gauge from his appearance at the Swansea.com Stadium was his position on the pitch.

In Martin’s 4-3-3 formation, the youngster was deployed on the right-hand-side of the frontline, with Joe Piroe the sole striker.

Which may come as a slight concern for Pompey fans and Danny Cowley – who is actively seeking an out-and-out hitman in January after Ellis Harrison’s departure.

On the other hand, by fielding as a more conventional winger against the Saints, his lightning-pace was on show.

Cullen would often look to force Romain Perraud into one-v-one duels before driving down the wing and looking to provide.

However, his inexperience against a Premier League side was also reflected on occasion, by wasting a couple of ‘overload’ situations Swansea could have benefitted from.

At five foot, eight inches, the Swans academy graduate may also go against the stereotypical striker the Blues head coach has been courting.

After a fruitless summer pursuit of Jayden Stockley and the south coast club’s admiration of Kyle Wootton, signs were suggesting they were searching for a ‘target-man’ figure.

But following his display two days ago, it’s clear Cullen is the type of player who looks to exploit runs down the channel and test defender’s ability with their feet – rather than roughing up opposition in the air.

The News understands that Pompey remain interested in the forward’s services this month as their hunt for a striker intensifies.

And Cowley believes the 22-year-old has the ability to score goals in the third tier, despite not notching in 14 appearances this term.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Get 30 per cent off our sport subscription, which gives readers unlimited access to all our Pompey and grassroots coverage for just 9p a day, by using the promo code JanSports30. The deal expires at midnight on January 31.