Dummett: 'My Welsh Pride'

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Academy product Paul Dummett has spoken of his pride after he made his senior international debut for Wales on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old defender came off the bench in the 83rd minute as Chris Coleman's side lost 2-0 to the Netherlands at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Although he was born in Newcastle, Dummett has Welsh grandparents and had previously represented the Dragons at youth and under-21 level.

But winning his first full cap was a major milestone for the left-back, who joined the Magpies as a nine-year-old.

Speaking exclusively to nufc.co.uk after flying back to Tyneside on Thursday morning, he admitted: "Playing for your country makes you very proud.

"All of my family from Wales are really happy and they love it every time I play for them at any level.

"They were all watching although none of my family were at the game - they were hoping to get over but it was too expensive.

"It was unbelievable to play against Holland and some of the best players in the world.

"Playing international football anyway is good recognition but to play against players like (Arjen) Robben and (Wesley) Sneijder was really good, especially for my first game, so hopefully I can get some more games in the future."

Dummett has had to wait for his opportunity, having been an unused substitute in last September's World Cup qualifiying defeats to Macedonia and Serbia.

And he needed to be patient again on Wednesday as he replaced Swansea's Neil Taylor with seven minutes of normal time to go.

He said: "I was a bit nervous because obviously it was the first time I've played an international game in my life.

"I get nervous before every game anyway but I was especially nervous for that game. I didn't think I was actually going to come on when it got to the 80th minute but eventually Chris Coleman did bring me on and it was good for the manager to give me a chance.

"When he told me I was coming on, the first emotion was pride but I wanted to go on and make sure I didn't do myself any harm and give the manager something to think about, to show that I'm good enough to play for his team in the future.

"I didn't have much to do really - they were keeping the ball and then we were keeping the ball when we got it - but I just kept shape, made sure we didn't concede any more goals and kept the ball.

"That was my instruction when I came on, to get the ball and give it to someone, to keep the ball."

Dummett was one of three debutants against the Dutch and he believes the future is bright for Welsh football.

"George Williams from Fulham is only 18 and he looked very sharp when he came on while (James) Chester played his first game for Wales as well," he said.

"Emyr Huws from Man City came on, and there were a few young lads on the bench so I think there's a lot to be excited about for the future, especially with the likes of Gareth Bale and (Aaron) Ramsey who are still quite young as well."

Now, having made 18 Barclays Premier League appearances last term in what was his breakthrough season at St. James' Park, Dummett is already thinking about the next campaign.

He said: "I've got a few days rest now, then a small holiday. Then I'll start getting back fit for pre-season, try to kick on and play more games next season than I have this season and progress more."

Click here to buy a new Newcastle United change shirt with Dummett's name and number on the back