STEVE McCLAREN has played down the extent of Paul Dummett's hamstring injury - and is hoping the full-back could be available for next weekend's game at Watford.

Dummett was forced off in the 56th minute of yesterday's 2-1 win over West Ham United after complaining of tightness in his hamstring.

Without a natural alternative at left-back, his departure forced a major positional overhaul, with Jack Colback moving to left-back and Henri Saivet coming on to make his debut at the heart of midfield.

Colback would be the likeliest left-back replacement if Dummett was ruled out in six days' time, but McClaren is hoping yesterday's refusal to take any risks with Dummett will mean the Wales international is available for the trip to Vicarage Road.

The Newcastle head coach said: "It’s a hamstring, but hopefully it’s just a little bit of tightness."

Dummett's injury could not sour a hugely positive afternoon that saw Newcastle clamber out of the relegation positions thanks to goals from Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Debutant Jonjo Shelvey had a hand in both goals, and McClaren was delighted with the midfielder's impact just four days after completing a £12m move from Swansea City.

He said: "You always worry with the first game – will he blend in and fit into the team? But I thought it was a perfect balance.

"He gave us that first pass forwards, and I think that created the first goal. Then that cross-field pass (for the second goal), because of the speed of it, it gives you that extra two seconds and the defence can’t recover.

"That’s the difference between top-quality midfield players and average ones. He’s got that potential to be top. He’s got a long way to go, as you saw, but it’s a nice start. And Saivet coming on was a nice start as well."