Wales v Turkey: Mark Harris says Craig Bellamy key after Oxford striker’s recall

A Cardiff academy product, Harris was still with the Bluebirds when he was last involved with Wales two years ago.

But having been restricted to a bit-part role in the Welsh capital, he turned down the offer of a new deal to drop down a division with Oxford.

“I wanted to prove myself and becoming the starting number nine for a team,” he said.

“It had been tough at Cardiff – sometimes playing, sometimes not, not knowing what position I was going to be playing in.

“I wanted to reignite my career, play games, establish myself as a proper number nine and show what I can do.”

Swansea-born Harris has done just that. His Cardiff career – which included loan spells at Newport, Port Vale and Wrexham – saw him score 10 goals in 95 appearances, more of half of which came off the bench.

He has equalled that goal tally in just his last 14 Oxford games.

After his goals helped the U’s return to the Championship after 25 years away -thanks to a play-off victory over Bolton in May – Harris currently leads the scoring charts in the second tier.

His fine form prompted speculation during the transfer window about interest from Bundesliga new boys Holstein Kiel.

Harris says he was aware of the links but is more focused on what he can do next for club and country.

He is thriving on confidence which, he says, helps explain his fabulous, long-range volley against Blackburn last month.`

“I may have tried it before, I may have not, I’m not sure,” he said. “But it’s confidence from enjoying your football.

“Being the main man definitely helps with that, and it’s been about repaying the faith Oxford have shown in me. I got given the number nine shirt and it was all about showing what I can do.”