Dummett behind him

LEFT-BACK TELLS HOW HE IS DELIGHTED TO BE BACK IN ACTION FOR UNITED

PAUL Dummett has lifted the lid on his injury anguish after spending a month on the sidelines.

One minute the Newcastle United left-back was lining up alongside Real Madrid star Gareth Bale for Wales’ big UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark in Cardiff.

The next he was in the treatment room with a hamstring injury agonising over how long the setback would keep him out of action.

The Magpies academy graduate has worked hard to make a relatively speedy return and finds himself back in contention for the Magpies just in time for the hectic festive period.

Reflecting on his injury playing for Wales, Dummett told the Chronicle: “I was really disappointed.

“I was obviously buzzing to get a start for Wales in an international game in the UEFA Nations League.

“I’d waited a long time to play for Wales. To come off so early in the game, a competitive game, was so disappointing.

“It also meant I missed games for Newcastle too so it was frustrating. You just then have to do everything you can to make sure you’re fit and helping the team as much as I can.”

Dummett’s return to the team may have lasted just a few minutes at the end of the clash with Huddersfield, but for him it meant the world.

The 27-year-old said: “Being injured isn’t a good feeling as it takes you away from the group. “I am now working double hard to make sure I stay fit. It’s brilliant to be back out there.

“It’s never nice being injured but you have to be patient when you come back. “I’ve been on the bench because we have had some decent results away from home lately.

“We lost last weekend but that was right at the end in a tight game so I had to wait for my opportunity. “I got it at Huddersfield and it was a brilliant win for us against a team that will be around us in the Premier League.

“It was important to take points off them.”

Dummett will be working hard this week as he bids to win a start against Fulham in the Premier League.

Rafa Benitez opted for a 3-5-2 formation at the John Smith’s Stadium

I am now working double hard to make sure I stay fit. It’s brilliant to be back out there Paul Dummett