Swansea's Vipotnik eyes goal repeat in derby

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Image caption, Zan Vipotnik made one substitute appearance for Slovenia at Euro 2024

Striker Zan Vipotnik hopes to repeat his scoring feat for Swansea City in Sunday's south Wales derby against Cardiff City.

Zipotnik, 22, found the target in the Championship win against Preston North End last Saturday.

It was the Slovenia international's first goal since signing a four-year deal at Swansea after the termination of his contract with French side Bordeaux.

"I'm so happy. I waited for this goal a long time," said Vipotnik.

"I scored my last goal in May and I'm so happy to score in front of our fans. We grabbed the win. I'm so happy for the team and for me."

Vipotnik is yet to start in the Championship as he builds fitness following a disrupted pre-season.

He is competing with Liam Cullen for the chance to lead the line for Luke Williams' side against Swansea's biggest rivals.

"I've scored my first goal and I hope next week I will score at least one," Vipotnik added.

"It's my job. I'm here to score the goals and I hope that I will do that next week. I'm so excited to see the atmosphere in the stadium next week when we play against Cardiff and I hope that we will win.

"I鈥檝e heard every day about this game and I like to play these games. I love derbies.

鈥淲e have one in Slovenia, not as big as here, but it's still a derby."

Vipotnik joined Swansea after Slovenia鈥檚 European Championship campaign in Germany, where they reached the knockout stages before losing to Portugal on penalties.

Vipotnik made one tournament appearance, coming off the bench in the group-stage draw against Serbia.

"It was amazing for us, we did really good and I'm so thankful to the manager who called me up and I hope to continue," added Vipotnik.

"When I was young, I was watching Cristiano Ronaldo. He's an idol for many players because of the attitude, how he worked and how he lives - it's amazing.

"But now [Erling] Haaland is number one for the strikers. I like to watch him, his movement, and I like [Aleksandar] Mitrovic too, he was really good in the Championship. He's a Balkans guy and I like him.

"Now I'm here, I think it's the right step for me, the Championship. It's a tough league and I hope I will have the chance to go to the Premier League."