Could Dummett return to international football?

MANCHESTER United legend Ryan Giggs has been appointed as Wales manager – raising the prospect of an international return for Newcastle United left-back Paul Dummett. Former Wales winger Giggs has signed a four-year contract to succeed Chris Coleman, who left international management to take charge at Championship club Sunderland, at the Principality Stadium. Last May, Coleman expressed his ‘disappointment’ at Dummett’s decision to withdraw from the Wales squad to take on Serbia in a friendly – with the then-Wales manager claiming the Newcastle defender had retired from international football.

However, it is understood Dummett withdrew from that squad to focus on his United career and to spend a summer with his family – and the 26-year-old does still harbour hopes of returning to the international arena.

Magpies’ Academy graduate Dummett has made just two appearances for the Dragons to date, both in friendlies against the Netherlands, totalling just 32 minutes in all and was repeatedly overlooked by Coleman for players in his position who struggled for gametime at their respective clubs.

It is believed Dummett’s decision to pull of the Wales squad was primarily motivated by Coleman and his selection policy, and therefore Giggs’ appointment could lead to a return to the international fold for the left-back.