Dummett Pleased To Prove Versatility

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Paul Dummett was pleased to prove his versatilty last season, and admits that he will be happy to slot into in any position for new head coach Steve McClaren next term.

The 23-year-old made 29 appearances in all during the campaign just gone, and while he started and finished the season at left-back, he also proved equally capable at centre-half and played there on a number of occasions to good effect.

Indeed, he was arguably Newcastle's most improved player last term and the team's terrible run of form towards the end of the season coincided with Dummett missing nine matches with a knee injury suffered in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace in February.

He returned ahead of schedule for the final four matches as United secured their top flight status and was called up for Wales' crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Belgium last week, but had to withdraw from the squad due to a hamstring problem.

However, the Newcastle-born defender will be fully fit by the time the 2015/16 capaign comes around and is hoping to continue his progress under McClaren, who has gained an impressive reputation for developing Academy players since his days at Middlesbrough.

"I didn't play as many games as I would have liked to because of the injury, but when I was fit I was selected for most of the games that I was available, so for me that was a confidence booster," Dummett told nufc.co.uk.

"I don't mind where I play. As long as I'm playing and doing a job for the team in whatever position the head coach wants me to play, then I'll play that role."

The fixtures for the 2015/16 season will be announced on nufc.co.uk at 9am on Wednesday.