Dummett Fighting Fit For Foxes

By Tom Easterby

After having to withdraw from the Wales squad because of a groin injury last week, Paul Dummett has confirmed he is fighting fit and ready to take on Leicester City on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The left-back, who was part of Chris Coleman's squad for their European Championship qualifying games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Cyprus, wasn't able to join up with the Dragons and remained on Tyneside instead for treatment.

But the Academy graduate told nufc.co.uk he's shaken off the knock and is ready to play a part at the weekend, although disappointment still lingers from missing out on featuring for his country as they consolidated their place at the top of Group B.

"It's fine and I've trained the last few days now," said the 22-year-old.

"I had to get a scan and it was a little strain so I needed to rest it, but now it's okay and I can't feel anything.

"It was very disappointing because I went away last time and we got a good result against Andorra, so it's disappointing not to be involved this time.

"It was another two good results for us and in the next game we need to get some more good results because we're top of the group and in a good position for the rest of the games."

Dummett was part of the United side who drew 2-2 at Swansea City last time out, with Papiss Cisse bagging a double as Alan Pardew's charges twice came from behind.

And, with St. James' Park set to welcome the Foxes at the weekend, the local lad hopes home advantage will play a part in helping his team pick up their first Barclays Premier League win of the season.

"It was important that we didn't lose against Swansea and showed a lot of character to come back twice in that game, especially as Swansea pass the ball around very well," he explained.

"Now, we need to win at home - desperately - and that's what we're aiming for, and if we get a good win at home it could push us on to try and get more wins in the rest of the season.

"We're expected to win at St. James' Park and all the players know that, so we'll be up for the game and hopefully we'll get the three points.

"It's a different pressure (when you're playing at home), especially when you're near the bottom of the league and haven't picked up a win in the Premier League yet, so it adds more pressure but that's what we're paid to play for, so it's up to us to go to St. James' and win.

"Leicester are a good team, they work well together and they work hard. They've proved that if you do that in the Premier League then you can win games. They beat Manchester United so it'll be a tough game, but we'll definitely be up for it."

Frenchman Massadio Haidara is breathing down Dummett's neck in the fight for the left-back berth but with just one cap to his name so far, he knows that in order to nail down a place in the Wales squad, he first needs to cement his status as a staple of the United back four.

"For me, to get in the Wales squad, I have to be playing regularly for Newcastle so as long as I've got competition from Sadio it's good for both of us to push each other, because competition in teams is always a good thing," said Dummett.

"For me to nail down a place for Newcastle would give me a much better chance of progressing my career with Wales as well."

And after netting in the Capital One Cup win at Crystal Palace last month, the former St. Mirren loanee wouldn't mind getting on the scoresheet again - but is just as happy as long as some of his teammates are getting among the goals.

"I hope I can, but I'll leave that to the strikers hopefully!" he said.

"But if I can, then obviously I'd be delighted to score another goal."

Tickets for Saturday's Barclays Premier League home fixture against Leicester City are still available. To secure your seat at St. James' Park, click here.