'I'm the luckiest guy on earth' - Ryan Reynolds scraps plans to 'kidnap' Rob McElhenney after Wrexham co-owner has host of rescue animals - including dogs, cats & even horses - named after Deadpool star in adorable birthday surprise

The Hollywood stars have enjoyed poking fun at one another throughout their time in charge of Wrexham and are at it again with the latest instalment designed to celebrate Reynolds' birthday. McElhenney announced a surprise for his Wrexham co-owner in a video on social media where he urged viewers to "AdoptARyan" in honour of his good friend's birthday. The star joked he wanted to give Reynolds "unconditional love" on his special day and has teamed up with American animal welfare organisation Best Friends Animal Society to rename a host of adoptable animals including dogs, cats, horses and donkeys "Ryan Reynolds" in a bid to rehome them.

McElhenney has also pledged to match all match all donations up to $25,000 (£19,300) until the end of the month in honour of Reynolds' birthday with the aim of trying to "help save all dogs and cats across the country."

Reynolds was quick to respond with his own post on Instagram and is already thinking about his next move: "I was expecting some sort of assault on decency or thinly veiled attack on Canada. Instead, I got one of the greatest gifts of my life in knowing Rob McElhenney. He is as wonderful and singular as you’d imagine and I’m the luckiest guy on earth. I’m also immediately reconfiguring Rob’s birthday surprise for this April. Despite devoting considerable time and resources, I’m withdrawing from the original plan, which wasn’t necessarily kidnapping Rob… I wouldn’t even describe it as an “abduction”. I’d call it an, “involuntary, forced and rapid relocation system.” Now, it’s going to have to be something kind and joyful. And less of a felony."

While the two stars are enjoying themselves on social media, their team are currently preparing for a return to League One action. Phil Parkinson's side currently sit second in the table and face Charlton Athletic next on Saturday in League One.