TWENTY five days, five games and counting – that’s the countdown for Josh Cullen.

As City fans wait for what the next transfer window might bring in terms of new faces at Valley Parade, the fate of a familiar one will be scrutinised just as closely.

Josh Cullen has become such a regular component of central midfield that his presence is almost taken for granted.

City’s impressive record since he first donned the claret and amber at Peterborough in February is no coincidence.

Two defeats in the last three in the league does not diminish a points return that is due in no small part to the hugely-influential figure dictating the play.

No wonder Cullen’s return in August was greeted with universal delight from a fan-base that had expected West Ham to place him at Championship level instead.

They might still do so next month – hence the concern as we tick towards the deadline on his half-season loan.

After tomorrow’s clash with Charlton, Cullen is around to face Walsall, leaders Scunthorpe, Bury and Northampton. But then it’s anyone’s guess.

“I don’t know what will happen then,” admitted Cullen. “But I’m sure all parties will sit down and decide which way is the best direction to go.

“I’m here initially until January 3 and up until then it’s just a case of focusing on Bradford. That’s all I’m concentrating on.

“It’s been brilliant being in the team and playing every week.

“But I know I’ve got to keep my standards high because we’ve got a great squad here. Anyone can step in and do a job for the team.

“Whatever team the gaffer chooses to pick, it’s always going to be strong – that’s the quality we’ve got.”

Cullen has only missed out when away on international duty with Republic of Ireland under-21s. You can count his bad games on one finger – Wimbledon away.

His commitment to the cause was shown when he haggled to be allowed to fly late to the recent Irish training break in La Manga so he could play against Rochdale.

Stuart McCall is spoilt for choice in central midfield but Cullen’s name tends to be first on the team sheet. Whoever he partners, whether it’s Tim Dieng, Danny Devine or Nicky Law, you cannot see the join.

“When I first came in, Tim was injured so I was playing with Danny and Lawsy was in there a bit as well,” said Cullen.

“I enjoyed that and then when Tim came back, I thought that we’ve bounced off each other really well. I’ve liked playing with them all.

“It’s been quite easy to settle in when you’ve got quality players alongside you. You can strike up a good relationship.

“Tim gives us that physical presence and Lawsy has the technical ability coming in from the left.

“The options are good and we’re confident in each other.”

Charlton are yet to justify pre-season predictions of a quick return to the Championship as off-field strife continues to wreak havoc.

But Cullen expects pumped-up visitors because of City’s own lofty league position.

“We’re going to be a big scalp with the way we’ve started so far,” he said.

“Whenever a team are near the top, the opposition are going to raise their game to try to beat us.”