MARK Harris is thoroughly enjoying his time away with Wales, even if he returned from the most recent camp with a second black eye in just over six months.
The Oxford United striker was involved in a nasty clash of heads with teammate Joe Rodon during the first half of Wales’ goalless UEFA Nations League clash away to Turkey.
Both players received lengthy treatment, and although Harris continued with a bruise under his right eye, he was taken off at half-time.
Harris also picked up a shiner during United’s Sky Bet League One play-off final victory at Wembley, while celebrating Josh Murphy’s first goal.
Joe Bennett jumped onto the back of Murphy, with Harris then leaping onto Bennett, but he caught an accidental whack in the face from the U’s left back.
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After returning from international duty with his latest black eye, Harris said: “It suits me, two shiners in a couple of months and two hard hits, but hopefully I’m all good.
“When I watched the video back, it was then that I realised how bad it actually was. At the time, I just felt a massive thud.
“The doctor and physio came on, asking me all sorts of questions to make sure I was alright. I was fine, a little bit dazed, but alright.”
Harris then started and played 65 minutes as Wales won 4-1 at home to Iceland, a result which saw the nation promoted to the top tier of the Nations League.
“I was over the moon. To play the first game, away at Turkey, the atmosphere was unbelievable. What a game to play in,” said Harris.
“To get the draw out there, to then give us the chance to go top of the group in the last game against Iceland, and to get the nod again to start, I was very chuffed and even more so to get it over the line and top the group.
“We’re in Group A now, and there are going to be some tough tests coming up. We’ve already had a few, with Turkey, Montenegro and Iceland, but now it’s another level again.
“Hopefully I can stay in the squad and get a few more starts against some of the so-called bigger nations.”
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Former Liverpool and Newcastle United forward Craig Bellamy was appointed Wales head coach in July, and guided his country to an undefeated Nations League campaign.
Harris said: “The gaffer has been unbelievable. He’s come in and set up what he wants to do, and how he wants us in and out of possession.
“Going undefeated in the campaign when you’ve got the likes of Turkey, Iceland and Montenegro, these games are tough.
“To go undefeated and to top the group, I think that says enough really, how good he’s done since he’s come in.”
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