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

Harris comes from Cardiff’s youth academy and was with the Bluebirds two years ago when he last played for Wales.

But with only a bit-part role in the Welsh capital, he turned down an offer of a new contract to drop down a division with Oxford.

“I wanted to prove myself and become the number nine on the team,” he said.

“It was tough in Cardiff. Sometimes I played, sometimes I didn’t, because I didn’t know what position I would play.

“I wanted to revive my career, play matches, establish myself as a real number nine and show what I can do.”

Swansea-born Harris has done just that. In a career at Cardiff, which included loan spells at Newport, Port Vale and Wrexham, he has scored 10 goals in 95 appearances, more than half of them from the bench.

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

His goals helped the U’s return to the Championship after 25 years, thanks to a play-off win over Bolton in May. Harris now tops the Second Division goalscoring charts.

His good form during the transfer window led to speculation about interest from Bundesliga newcomers Holstein Kiel.

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

He draws strength from his self-confidence, which he believes is also the reason for his fantastic long-range volley against Blackburn last month.

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

“Being the main player certainly helps with that, and it’s a way of repaying the faith Oxford has shown in me. I was given the number nine shirt and it was all about showing what I can do.”