Newcastle defender Paul Dummett returned to the international stage with Wales last night for the first time since 2015.
The Geordie defender came off the bench in Wales’ 4-1 win over the Republic of Ireland, replacing Ben Davies in the 81st minute.
By the time Dummett entered the fray, the job was done, with goals coming from Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Conor Roberts.
CARDIFF, WALES – SEPTEMBER 06: Wales player Paul Dummett (l) challenges Cyrus Christie of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B group four match between Wales and Republic of Republic of Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium on September 6, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
It was glee for Dummett but dismay for one of his club teammates, with Ciaran Clark enduring a torrid evening in the green of Ireland.
It appeared as though the Newcastle left back’s career was over, having made himself unavailable for selection during Chris Coleman’s tenure in charge. However, Dummett is now back in the fold, with former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs occupying the Welsh dugout.
CARDIFF, WALES – SEPTEMBER 3: Paul Dummett of Wales in action during the Wales Training Session at The Vale Resort on September 3, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
Dummett will have a very difficult job nailing down a starting place in a Wales shirt, with Tottenham defender Davies currently Giggs’ first choice. And rightfully so; Davies has been one of the best left-backs in the Premier League in recent years, keeping Danny Rose out of the Spurs team.
But at least the 26-year-old is now back in the picture, gaining his third Wales cap last night. All three of his caps have been off the bench, with his debut coming against the Netherlands in June 2014.
The left-back has been a revelation under Rafa Benitez at Newcastle, developing into a key player and a more than solid Premier League defender.
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Paul Dummett of Newcastle United (03) talks with Newcastle United’s Manager Rafael Benitez during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Aston VIlla at St.James’ Park on February 14, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
After the 4-1 victory, fans of both Wales and Newcastle have reacted to Dummett’s return to the international stage:
Paul Dummett returns to international football just so he can be in a team that wins a game.
— Welsh not British (@welshnotbritish) September 6, 2018
Good to see paul dummett back in the welsh team
— Ian (@jonesy2506) September 6, 2018
Glad to see Dummett on btw. He’s a very good player.
— Coleman Had A Dream (@Colemans_Dream) September 6, 2018
Never thought I’d see Paul Dummett again, thought you didn’t want to play for Wales again ya geordie prick
— Martin 🏴 (@ThisIsThe7) September 6, 2018
Congratulations @PaulDummett 👏 https://t.co/Syh8TyeYaq
— Leazes Flags 🏴🏳🏴🏳 (@FlagsLeazes) September 7, 2018
Should have played more and they would have won more comfortably
— Dummett Super Fan (@TheGeordieAlba) September 6, 2018
@PaulDummett Feel like a proud Dad #NUFC #WALES pic.twitter.com/KKR98Lhjco
— Lloyd Thomas (@LloydThomas) September 6, 2018