HE’S SWAN OF OUR OWN

Joe banks on Swansea-born Harris to be Cardiff derby hero

Championship: 12.30pm

JOE RALLS is backing Mark Harris to be Cardiff’s derbyday hero today – against his home-town club.

Swansea-born Harris will line up for Cardiff after breaking into Neil Harris’s side on the back of a woeful run.

His inclusion has sparked a four-game winning sequence to save his manager’s skin.

Now the Wales Under- 21 forward will be looking to upset his friends by shooting down

Swansea. Swansea Cardiffmidfielder Cardiff midfielder Ralls ( below) said: “I know Mark’s from Swansea and a lot of his friends are Swansea fans. He’s been brilliant for us in the last few games and it will be a big game for him, one he’s looking forward to.

“He’s a young player, willing to learn, and he has carried a threat for us. Hopefully he can keep building on that and be an important player for us in the future.

“I’m sure all the boys know what local derbies are like but it’s a really special game.

“It’s one we haven’t won for a while. We lost to them and drew with them last season so it would be nice to get a win over them now. We know how much this game means to everyone.” Englishman Ralls, who has been at Cardiff for almost a decade, feels like an adopted Welshman. “I love living in Wales and being at Cardiff,” he said. “I’ve been here all my career and it’s something I’m really proud of. I love playing for this club.” Bluebirds boss Harris (aabove) says the dressing room is buzzing ahead of the derby. “The confidence and belief in the group goes without saying,” he said. “The guys are happy and settled and we look forward to the game. We couldn’t go into it in any better shape. shape Four wins on the spin doesn’t surprise me because we’ve put good runs together in the past and will do again in the future.

“Now we want to add to it on Saturday, that’s for sure.

“But Swansea have got some good players and have had a good start this year.

“They have a relatively settled squad and we know it’s another tough challenge for us, but we’re certainly focused on ourselves in this game.

“I’ve got a really passionate changing room and guys who want to win. They’ve stood up and shown that. They’ll certainly have that mindset and the competitive nature.”