Birmingham City star withdrawn from international duty

The 19-year-old was absent in Blues' 1-1 draw with Walsall on Tuesday after being called up to the Wales under-21's squad, but he will play no part for the Dragons this week. The Welsh football association (FAW) announced that Harris, along with Exeter City's Pat Jones had been withdrawn, and were replaced by Cameron Congreve and Joel Colwill.

He played 52 minutes in the 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic at the weekend, before being withdrawn in the 52nd minute for match-winner Scott Wright. The Jersey-born youngster so far has got one goal in five games since joining on a season-long loan from Fulham.

Harris and Jones' call-ups led to Birmingham City's match with Exeter City being called off. If three or more squad members have been picked for their countries, it means games are postponed. Wales will have to do without Harris and Jones now, as they prepare for their UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier against Iceland on Tuesday, September 10.

The reason for Harris withdrawal has not been disclosed by the Welsh FA but thankfully there is 11 days until Birmingham’s next fixture which is against Wrexham on Monday, September 16, should an injury be the reason.

Harris was called up for international as well as Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Willum Willumsson, and Alfons Sampsted. First-choice goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell will hope to be involved as Northern Ireland play Luxembourg today (September 5) before travelling to Bulgaria on Sunday (September 8) for their Nations League double header.

Iceland, who have Sampsted and Willumsson in their ranks, play Montenegro on Friday (September 6) and then Turkey on Monday (September 9).