Paul Mullin marked his first start of the season in typical style as Wrexham secured a win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy.
Whilst the beginning of Wrexham’s League One campaign has been magical, it has required patience for Paul Mullin, who missed the first two matches against Wycombe Wanderers and Bolton as he was recovering from surgery on his spine.
The 29-year-old has since made three substitute appearances in the league, coming off the bench in wins over Reading, Peterborough United and Shrewsbury as Phil Parkinson’s men scored eight goals with no reply.
Parkinson felt it was necessary to ease Mullin back into the action and on Tuesday night, he started Wrexham’s EFL Trophy tie against Salford City, marking the occasion with a wonderful curling effort.
For the man who has notched over a century of goals in just three years in Wales, it was typical that he scored on his first start of 2024/25 but there was one issue that did emerge.
Phil Parkinson shares Paul Mullin update after Wrexham striker was spotted limping at full-time
Mullin was substituted for Ollie Palmer in the 68th minute against Salford as Parkinson continues to slowly build up his match fitness.
Some fans were worried at full-time however, as the Liverpudlian was spotted limping with a grimace on his face when the players left the touchline.
Luckily, Parkinson quickly shut down any concerns surrounding Mullin as he confirmed that the striker looked in ‘good shape’ and is ‘getting there’ with regards to his fitness.
Speaking to The Leader, Parkinson said: “Mulls was always going to do 65 minutes whatever the score.
“It was about us making sure that his progression was right and there was no way he was going to go more than that.
“Mulls is a key player for us and we needed him to come through the game. He looked great. He looked in good shape and physically he is getting there.”
Should Paul Mullin start vs Birmingham City?
For Parkinson, the temptation will be there to start his talisman in Monday’s crucial clash against Birmingham City.
Mullin has proven in the past that he’s a big game player, who can turn up when Wrexham need him most but choosing whether to start him is surprisingly a difficult decision.
Jack Marriott has filled the boots of Mullin wonderfully by scoring three goals in five league appearances while Palmer has two goals and one assist in the league.
It wouldn’t be a shock to see Marriott get dropped for the Liverpudlian against Birmingham however, Parkinson may feel the correct decision is to bring his talisman from the bench instead, especially if Wrexham need a goal.