Newcastle United defender Dummett said he didn’t close door on Wales
Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett says that he never closed the door on playing for Wales, after a falling out with the previous manager Chris Coleman.
After receiving few opportunities under Coleman, Dummett made himself unavailable for a FIFA World Cup Qualifier back in 2017 and had initially rejected Giggs’ offer to link up with the Wales squad in the China Cup.
Dummett was recently in the Wales squad and made a nine-minute cameo in their 4-1 UEFA Nations League win over Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, the Toon defender 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.”
“All players want to play in the biggest games and biggest tournaments. I was involved building up to the [2016] Euros, but didn’t get the nod and it was a massive disappointment not to be involved.
“But that’s football. These things happen. Managers have opinions so I can’t complain that the manager picked other players because we had good players in my position as well.”
It was the 26-year-old’s first appearance for Wales, since playing in a 3-2 friendly defeat to the Netherlands back in November 2015.
In fact, the call-up from the Manchester United legend came as a shock to him, as Giggs enquired about players who were eligible to play for Wales.
Dummett said: “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 returns to club action this weekend, when compatriot Aaron Ramsey travels to St James Park, as Newcastle host Arsenal.
(Featured Image: Ben Sutherland)
