Why Paul Mullin won't walk back into Wrexham's starting XI as 105-goal Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney favourite is warned he faces a fight for striking berth

Paul Mullin will not walk back into Wrexham’s starting XI once back to full fitness, with Phil Parkinson sending a selection warning to his strikers.

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Prolific frontman led promotion chargesUnderwent surgery at start of the summerHas to earn his place in Parkinson's plansGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons have seen their talismanic No.10 fire them to back-to-back promotions, with Mullin registering 105 goals across his three seasons at SToK Racecourse. He has been named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year for 2023-24, but underwent surgery at the start of the summer that has prevented him from making an immediate impact in the third tier.

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Mullin is back in contention for Wrexham, but has been eased into competitive action off the bench. He has been made aware of the need to fight for his place, with Parkinson telling reporters after a 2-0 victory at Peterborough of having another proven marksman at his disposal: “Mulls isn't quite ready yet, he's getting there, that's the best he's felt when he came on today, I felt he was so sharp. Jack [Marriott] and Ollie [Palmer] have got the shirts at the moment, the other players have got to wrestle them away from them. I keep saying to the front two, what we're pleased with at the moment is their work for the team, and key moments come on the back of that, and that's why we're winning games at the start of the season.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wrexham have settled quickly in League One, with more shrewd recruitment business carried out, and Parkinson added on the squad that Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have helped to piece together: “The transfer window is always a difficult one because some you miss out on, some you get. I'm pleased with the people we've brought into the building to carry on this Wrexham story. When the games come thick and fast in the weeks to come, we'll make changes. We know we've got really good players to step in and we're enjoying working with the group and there's more to come from us.”

WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Parkinson has seen his side pick up 10 points from a possible 12 this season. Wrexham remain unbeaten through four League One fixtures and are only being kept off the top of the table by goal difference. They will be back in action next weekend, with Mullin very much at their disposal, when taking in a cross-border derby date with rivals Shrewsbury.

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