‘I was worried’: Newcastle 32-year-old admits he thought he was going to get sent off last night

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Paul Dummett produced a heroic performance during Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on Wednesday night.

The 32-year-old was named in Eddie Howe‘s starting XI for the first time this season. In fact, it was his first Newcastle start since the Carabao Cup second round last year.

It was a big ask, with Dummett tasked with keeping treble winners Manchester City at bay. But he did just that, helping Newcastle win 1-0 and secure their place in the next round of the competition.

Alongside Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of defence, Dummett was outstanding. He worked incredibly hard, to the point that he actually cramped up and was forced off in stoppage time.

Dummett received a standing ovation as he was withdrawn, but the defender actually thought his evening could have ended a lot earlier.

Paul Dummett delighted with perfect tackle on Jack Grealish

Following the win over Manchester City, Dummett spoke to NUFC TV. He was asked about a lunging tackle on Jack Grealish in the first half to stop the England international racing through on goal.

“I was worried I was going to get a red card, actually,” he said.

“But at the right moment I thought ‘I can get it’. I needed to make that challenge otherwise…if I got it wrong I was either taking him down or he was getting through and possibly conceding a goal.

“Thankfully I was in the right position at the right time to tackle him and help us keep a clean sheet.”

Newcastle defender got it spot on

It was an absolutely perfect tackle from Dummett, and one that got the crowd on their feet. They roared in delight as the local lad cleared away the danger when it looked like Man City were going to be through on goal.

It could not have been timed better by Dummett. As he says, it had to be. If he got it wrong, he either would have wiped Grealish out or he would have raced through on goal and possibly scored.

Luckily, Dummett got it right, like he has done so many times in the past. Those sliding tackles are a real trademark of his, and it was great to see them out in force on Wednesday night.

It was a really tough night for Grealish. He was wiped out fairly by Dummett, pocketed by Tino Livramento, and mocked by Toon fans who serenaded him with a song about Miguel Almiron, who he ridiculed last year.