EDDIE Howe says Paul Dummett's "outstanding" performance in the Carabao Cup third round victory over Manchester City showed why he was so determined to keep the defender at the club in the summer.
Dummett is Newcastle's longest serving player having been at the club since he was nine. He reached the end of his previous contract in the summer but despite having only played once last season, Howe was desperate for the 31-year-old to stay on and the defender eventually agreed a one-year extension.
The Geordie was handed his first start in 13 months against Manchester City on Wednesday night and put in a superb display at the heart of the home defence. Dummett's performance, says Howe, not only showed why the head coach was so keen to keep the defender, but also that he can still be an important player on the pitch for the Magpies, as well as providing vital experience in the dressing room.
“I thought Paul was absolutely outstanding," said Howe.
"When you see him behind the scenes every day, his commitment to Newcastle, the professionalism that he shows, his standards have been exemplary since I've been here – that's why I was so determined to keep him in the summer – and he can still play an important role on the pitch.
“He's got real experience and a really good defensive mindset. I thought him and Jamaal, the pair of them today, were really, really good for us and I'm delighted that we showed that strength in our back line because it's going to be hugely important this season."
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Dummett received a standing ovation from the Newcastle supporters when he was replaced deep in stoppage time.
Howe said: "He deserved it for his performance. It's always nice when you see someone work so hard behind the scenes and be so diligent and professional and you do get rewarded.
"I always believe life and sport does pay you back eventually and Paul has had that reward tonight. We and him have worked extremely hard to try and keep him fit. We know we're going to need him this season and he's proved tonight he won't let us down."
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