Dummett ‘never closed door’on Wales

Paul Dummett in action for Wales against the Republic of Ireland PAUL Dummett admits he initially thought it may have been a wind-up when Ryan Giggs phoned and asked him out of international exile earlier this year.

The Newcastle United fullback had not appeared for Wales since 2015 after falling out with previous manager Chris Coleman.

In fact, Coleman had even alleged Dummett had “closed the door” on playing international football, although the defender himself has always maintained he would be open to playing for Wales again once a new coach was installed.

And, after three years without an appearance for his country, the Newcastle-born left-back made his competitive debut for Wales when he earned his third cap as a substitute during the 4-1 UEFA Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Thursday.

“I know there’s things been said in the media about me ‘closing the door’ on international football,” Dummett told BBC Radio Wales. “That was just because of the situation that had happened and the circumstances of what the previous manager had said.

“I never closed the door and I never would close the door, really. So I’m just hoping to get some more opportunities to play.”

After Manchester United legend Giggs was appointed Wales manager back in January, he contacted the players who were eligible to play for his squad.

Dummett was one of them but when the 26-year-old received a call from Giggs, he was initially unsure if it really was the Wales manager because he did not have the former winger’s number.

“I was obviously surprised because I didn’t have his [Giggs’] number saved, so when he called me, I didn’t know if it was a wind-up or not,” Dummett added.

“But I was delighted when I first got the call and hopefully I can get more opportunities to play for the team.

“All players want to play in