Dummett: 'I Had A Bale Of A Time'

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Although he will have to wait a little bit longer for his international debut, Paul Dummett has described the experience of being called into the full Wales squad as something that he will never forget.

The 21-year-old, who has previously played for the Dragons at under-19 and under-21 level, was drafted in by Chris Coleman for the World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Serbia.

He found himself on the bench alongside a certain Gareth Bale - the world's most expensive player following his move from Tottenham to Real Madrid this month - and although the Little Benton Academy product was an unused substitute on both occasions, just being involved was a thrill for the left-back who only made his Barclays Premier League bow last month.

Dummett has enjoyed a meteoric rise since being loaned to Scottish Premier League side St. Mirren at the beginning of last season and, after watching Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Serbians from the bench, he spoke exclusively to nufc.co.uk about the last few days. 

"It was unreal," he said after emerging from the home dressing room at the Cardiff City Stadium. "I wasn't expecting the call-up so to train with Gareth Bale, one of the best players in the world, was surreal for me.

"He was on my table when I was having dinner and he's just a normal lad - you wouldn't think he was worth £85m. But in training he is certainly special and when he came on against Serbia and hit a great free-kick which the keeper did well to save, he showed it again.

"And Craig Bellamy, as a Newcastle fan, was somebody I've always loved as a player. While I was there he was really nice to me. He spoke to me about Newcastle and all that kind of stuff, and he made me feel welcome.

"Every day there were cameras outside the hotel, watching everywhere we were going and following Gareth Bale wherever he went as well. There was a lot of media attention at training and around the hotel but it's been good.

"I'd obviously been away with the under-21s before but you look at the players I was travelling with - they're world class players so for me to be able to do that and train with players like that is something I'll never forget."

Although born in Newcastle and a former Kenton School pupil, Dummett qualifies for Wales through his grandfather.

"When the national anthem comes on, I get shivers and when it was playing I was singing it, so it makes me very proud," he said.

"I wasn't sure if I might get on - there were only two defenders on the bench so if there had been any injuries then I suppose I would have been in contention, but when managers are making subs they always like to bring attackers on and try to win the game so as a defender you sort of look out for injuries to come on.

"But I'm certainly ready for the Aston Villa game at the weekend if called upon. I'll train on Thursday and Friday and hopefully I'll make the squad."

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