‘Certainly’: Howe urges Newcastle to keep star he’s only played three times

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Eddie Howe states Newcastle United ‘certainly’ want to keep Paul Dummett and give him a new contract despite the Toon boss rarely utilising the defender to date, via Chronicle Live.

Dummett has been a part of the Magpies’ matchday squad for their last 10 Premier League games. Yet the centre-back has not featured since making just his third outing under Howe on February 13. Instead, his following nine involvements have only been as an unused sub.

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Howe additionally only fielded the 30-year-old against Aston Villa following outings against Watford and Leeds as Matt Targett was ineligible. Javier Manquillo also started at home to the Villans, but the Spaniard sustained suspected ankle ligament damage in the first-half.

Dummett now faces an uncertain future at St James’ Park as his contract lapses at the end of the season. The Toon took up an option to extend his £35k-a-week terms by 12-months last year. But the Magpies and five-cap Wales star are yet to agree a fresh long-term deal.

Eddie Howe states Newcastle ‘certainly’ want to give Paul Dummett a new contract

A calf injury had prevented Dummett from featuring this season before Newcastle sacked Steve Bruce and hired Howe. He only made his first outing of the term in all competitions against Watford on January 15, while Targett has since kept him out of the Toon backline.

Howe, though, is confident Newcastle want to hand Dummett a new contract. As while he has not featured regularly, the Magpies boss rates the Welshman for what he gives on and off the pitch. He has also had the opportunity to build fitness following his injury troubles.

“I really like Paul,” he said. “I think, behind the scenes, he’s had a consistent period where he’s trained. I think that’s what he needed [as] he’s had various injuries. But he’s a leader within the group.

“He’s not the most vocal but in terms of a role model and his history, journey through, he has a huge amount of respect from staff and players, the way he conducts himself. He’s a very good player on top of that. Certainly, he’s someone we want to keep.”