Pressure builds on Newcastle’s Jamal Lewis to perform amid injury update

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The Jamal Lewis renaissance has been a joy to behold at Newcastle United.

He’d endured a tough time at St James’ Park under Steve Bruce, struggling before losing his place in the side altogether.

That continued under Eddie Howe, but circumstance handed him an opportunity.

Matt Ritchie picked up a suspension, giving Lewis the chance to start his first Premier League game since February against Norwich.

He was solid against his former club, and retained his place a few days later versus Burnley. The Northern Ireland international was even better against the Clarets, helping Newcastle win their first game of the season.

It looked for a long time like Lewis’ Toon move was a bit of a disaster. He simply wasn’t playing well under Bruce.

But with a new manager in place and chance handing him a way back into the team, Lewis has seized his opportunity with both hands.

And it looks like he has done it at just the right time.

Paul Dummett injury update will give Lewis food for thought

Right now, Lewis is keeping Ritchie out of the team. The 2016 signing hasn’t featured since the 2-0 loss to Arsenal.

But in the near future, Lewis might have another challenger for the left-back position. That’s because a Paul Dummett return is looming.

Ahead of the trip to Leicester, Howe confirmed that the academy product is back running with the physio.

On Dummett, Howe said: “He will be an important player. His situation is that he’s back out running with the physio which is a great sign. He’s had a couple of setbacks but he’s through that now. I still feel he has a little way to go before he’s available for selection.”

Seeing Dummett back up and running should put Lewis under more pressure to perform.

While the 23-year-old has done well in the past couple of games, he still has a long way to go before he can match the defensive solidity of our number three.

He’s nothing flash, but Dummett knows how to do the basics of defending. That’s why he’s been so popular with managers in years gone by.

It’s unclear when he may return, but talk of a Dummett comeback should serve as a warning to Lewis. He needs to keep performing, as the line of competitors behind him is building.