Oxford United star’s admission about Craig Bellamy and Fulham midfielder
Mark Harris of Wales during the warm up. Wales v Turkey in the UEFA Nations League at Cardiff City Stadium on the 6th September 2024.
Mark Harris has praised star man Harry Wilson for his recent Wales performances as the squad looks to acclimate to the new Wales identity.
The Oxford United man was rewarded with his first Wales start helping them to a 1-0 win against Montenegro.
Harris, who has had a strong start to the season with the Championship club led the line in a hard-working performance under new manager Craig Bellamy, a reward for his hard work in training.
Mark Harris says Bellamy standards second to none
Speaking on the new boss Harris said: “There’s not much he doesn’t bring I’ll be honest, he demands so much, the quality he puts in is second to none I’ve not seen much like that.
All the way from pressing to throw ins, everything’s just all bang on and it’s down to us then to go and implement that on the pitch and get the results and also the performances.
I had him when I was a lot younger, coming through Cardiff so I knew straight away and now he’s showing it on the big stage now.”
One of the main messages from Bellamy coming out of his opening camps is the want to implement an identity within the Welsh national set-up, an ideology that’s been clearly implemented in the players.
“He’s been bang on with us since he come in about creating our identity, creating the way we want to play and I think we’ve done that as well so that’s another bonus.
He wants his team and us, when someone watches us they know it’s a good team. It’s not just with the ball it’s without the ball he’s bang on with the both of them.”
The main criticism from the opening fixtures under the new Wales boss is the drop off in second half performances, with them surrendering a two goal lead against Iceland.
“Obviously second half you’re going to be disappointed two nil to two all, but like the gaffer said after it that’s a massive learning curve for us and well learn more from that then any other game really so going forward that will be better for us.”
Harry Wilson has stepped up says Harris
It was Fulham man Harry Wilson who got the winning goal as he stepped up to the spot to calmly slot beyond Montenegro keeper Igor Nikic.
Despite not featuring regularly for the Premier League side he has been a pivotal figure in recent Wales camps scoring three goals in his last three appearances.
“He’s really stepped up the last few games with goals and assists so hopefully that continues” said Harris on his recent form for the nation.
“The quality on the ball, but not just that off the ball you can see how hard he works and to have him playing behind you as a nine is perfect.
Obviously he’s not playing as much for the club but he’s ready for his country, our country and he’s stepped up massively.”
Wales will be back in action next month as they take on Turkey and Iceland in their final UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Wales currently sit second in group B and will be hoping to regain promotion to the top division of the competition.
