Steve Bruce reveals why Paul Dummett had to leave the pitch

Paul Dummett was forced off late in this afternoon’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at St James’s Park.

The defender was replaced by DeAndre Yedlin in added time as he was struggling with a groin problem.

“He’s got a groin injury,” head coach Steve Bruce told BBC Radio Newcastle. “We’ll see how he is. For Dummy to play ... we were struggling on that left side with (Jetro) Willems out. It was difficult for him, but you know how it is for him – he sticks at it, and never, ever lets anybody down.”

Defender Florian Lejeune, sidelined since April, made his comeback from knee surgery in the game. Bruce said: “What a good player he looks. I can’t tell you how long he’s knocked on the door.”