Paul Dummett's brilliant reaction to Antonio Barreca's arrival at Newcastle United

Rafa Benitez had been left without a left-back when Dummett suffered a recurrence of a hamstring problem early last month.

However, Benitez – who switched to a five-man defence and fielded Matt Ritchie as a left wing-back – now has a number of options.

And Dummett, set to make his comeback from injury in Saturday’s friendly against CSKA Moscow in Spain, believes the extra competition will benefit the team.

“It’s brilliant,” said Dummett. “Everyone wants competition to be in the team – it brings out the best in players.

“This season, when I got injured, we didn’t have another left-back. We started playing with a five and a wing-back, and it’s worked really well.

“We’ve now got two left-backs fighting to play in a back four and if we play wing-backs we’ve got numerous players who can play in different positions. We’re all training hard and working hard to make that starting XI.”

Dummett has had a “frustrating” few weeks on the sidelines.

“It’s been very frustrating,” the 27-year-old told NUFC TV. “As a football player, you want to be playing matches. Being on the sidelines and not being able to do it is so frustrating.

“I’m hoping to do everything I can to put it behind me and stay fit.”