“I really like him” – Howe praises NUFC’s forgotten man & reveals why he could play key role

Prior to Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Watford, we hadn’t seen Paul Dummett in a black and white shirt for almost EIGHT months.

Believe it or not, the defender’s last appearance for the club came in a 2-0 win at Fulham back in May last year, with him missing the first half of the 2021/22 season with an ongoing calf injury.

His return to the side and first start under Eddie Howe was a solid one, giving us more protection down that left-hand than Matt Ritchie has offered of late, however he will be kicking himself that he couldn’t stop the cross that led to that 88th minute equaliser for Watford.

That said, Howe has praised his performance on the day, also explaining how his experience, reliability and leadership qualities can help us in our bid to beat the drop this season:

“He’s come back into the group, he’s trained very well,”

“He’s got huge experience. He’s reliable. I really, really like him.

“He’s got leadership qualities as well.

“He’s been in this position many times here, and, I think, for all those reasons I thought he was the right person to start.

“He played very well.”

Another left-back may be brought in – we did try and fail to sign Lucas Digne just last week – but it is good to have him back at a time where Jamal Lewis is recovering from a recent injury, with Matt Ritchie constantly targeted whenever he starts.