CRAIG Bellamy has discussed the reasoning behind selecting Oxford United striker Mark Harris in his first Wales squad.

Harris has scored three goals in three Sky Bet Championship games this season, backing up the 19 strikes netted across all competitions last season, as United won promotion to the second tier.

The 25-year-old, who has five caps for Wales already, has impressed Bellamy, who was appointed Wales head coach last month.

Harris is braced to win his first cap since June 2022, with Wales hosting Turkey in a UEFA Nations League clash on September 6, before visiting Montenegro in the same competition on September 9.

READ AGAIN: Mark Harris named in Craig Bellamy’s first Wales squad

Bellamy said at a press conference this morning: “Mark Harris is a player I’ve known since he was about 14, so I’ve been part of his development, and then watched his development from afar.

“He’s a player I believe has outstanding qualities. His move to Oxford has been a very good move for him.

“He’s high-intensity, he needs goals and assists, and he’s starting to get those to his game.

“I believe he’s a player with real high quality, so that wasn’t a problem. He’s a player I know as well, which helps.”