Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has revealed his dismay after being dropped from the starting line up against Manchester United last weekend.
The Wales international was given the boot by head coach Steve Bruce in favour of Irishman Ciaran Clark, and he has now spoken out about the boss’ decision.
“Competition in any team is a big thing to have and I was obviously disappointed not not to play but the main thing was the team put a good performance in,” he told The Chronicle.
“I was gutted not play but Ciaran came into my position and did really well. So I know I just need keep on working hard and trying to make sure I’m ready for my chance when it comes again.”
OPINION
There was always going to be changes made by Bruce after the Leicester City fiasco, but Dummett was perhaps unlucky to be taken out of the line up. Obviously he didn’t play well at the King Power Stadium – no one did – but the 28-year-old was no worse an offender than captain Jamaal Lascelles, for example, who managed to keep his place. Plus, the statistics show that Clark came in and did no better than Dummett has been doing this season. As per WhoScored.com, the 30-year-old only equalled Dummett’s average tackles per game tally of two, while he committed more fouls, drew less offsides, completed far fewer clearances and made less blocks. With that said, it would be no surprise to see Dummett come back in for the former Aston Villa man against Chelsea on Saturday. However, it’s probably more likely that Bruce sticks with what worked against United as he tries to squeeze another positive result out against the Blues.
