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.
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.
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.
After the 4-1 victory, fans of both Wales and Newcastle have reacted to Dummett’s return to the international stage:
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