Newcastle United’s Paul Dummett has turned down a Wales call-up.
Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has told The Chronicle that he pulled out of the Wales squad to ultimately thrive for his club and earn a new contract.
The Magpies drew 1-1 at home to Watford on Saturday afternoon, with Fabian Schar ensuring that Steve Bruce didn’t go into the international break on a defeat.
A host of players will be off around the world to play for their countries, but defender Dummett won’t be, meaning he’ll be fresh for the game against Liverpool after the break.
Dummett, 27, has played every minute of Premier League action so far this season, serving as the left-sided centre back in Bruce’s five-man defence.
Dummett has been an unsung hero in that Newcastle back line, and he was offered another call-up to the Wales squad – but he rejected them this time.
Despite being born in Newcastle, Dummett has five caps for Wales on the international stage, and had the chance to play in games against Azerbaijan and Belarus.
However, Dummett rejected Ryan Giggs’ offer, and now says that after so many injuries, he just wants to focus on playing regularly for Newcastle.
Dummett even suggested that he wants to earn a new contract with the club, despite only penning an extension until 2022 last year.
“It was obviously a difficult decision because playing for your country is an honour,” said Dummett. “But I have had my fair share of injuries over time and I just felt that coming at this time of my career I want to play for Newcastle and earn a new contract here. My main focus is to be fit playing for Newcastle and stay here for the rest of my career,” he added.
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