MARK Harris joked it was ‘about time’ he got an assist from Ruben Rodrigues after the two linked up against Southampton in pre-season.

Rodrigues’ right-wing cross fell for Harris, who stabbed Oxford United in front against the Saints.

The Portuguese midfielder then doubled the lead with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty box.

Despite a strong relationship off the pitch, playmaker Rodrigues didn’t assist a single goal for Harris in competitive action during the 2023/24 campaign.

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Harris said: “It was about time. I’ve been waiting for an assist off him. We’ve got a great relationship me and Ruben. We’re good friends off the pitch and that can only help.

“It was a good ball, and I got the touch to get it in the back of the net.”

The Welsh striker added: “I thought it was a really good performance against Premier League opposition.

“We knew how good they were going to be and that they wanted to keep the ball, but I think our structure out of possession was really good.

“We caught them a few times with our pressing, and we got the two goals.

“It was a good 60 minutes for myself and I’m looking forward to Saturday, our last game, and then roll on the season.

“We’re ready. One game to go and then the real stuff starts. I’m just looking forward to it now. Championship here we come.”

Against the Saints, summer signing Will Vaulks screened the back four and provided an extra layer of protection defensively.

Harris and Vaulks were teammates at Cardiff City between 2019 and 2022, during the latter’s three-year stint there.

Praising the impact that Vaulks has had at United since arriving from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this summer, Harris said: “I know Will very well from my time at Cardiff and I’ve had a couple of camps with Wales with him as well, so I know him very well.

“He’s come in and he’s put his stamp on things. He’s got great experience, he’s played a lot of games, and he’s a loud voice in the dressing room. We need that to be fair.

“Him sitting in front of the back four is great because he can talk to everyone, pass his experience onto the younger lads, and I think he’s been great since he’s come in.

“The boys we’ve brought in have been very good. They’ve been brilliant in training and in the games, and hopefully we can get a few more in to push us a little bit further.”