Zan Vipotnik: Swansea City striker eyes Cardiff City goal

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’ve heard every day about this game and I like to play these games. I love derbies.

“We have one in Slovenia, not as big as here, but it’s still a derby.”

Vipotnik joined Swansea after Slovenia’s 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.”