Paul Mullin 'saved from getting battered' by Wrexham team-mate – with James McClean taking on rare role as peacemaker for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's side

Mullin made his first appearance of the 2024-25 campaign as Wrexham cruised to a 3-0 win over Reading at SToK Racecourse on Saturday. The striker came on in the 74th minute and while he was unable to get on the scoresheet, he did get involved in a heated exchange with Reading's Amado Mbengue that promoted McClean, of all players, to hold him back.

Wrexham podcast Racecourse Ramble shared a photo of Mullin "telling a player he will be waiting in the tunnel" on X. The 29-year-old was clearly eager to get amongst it after missing the Red Dragons' first three games of the season owing to an injury that forced him to undergo spinal surgery in the summer.

After the game, McClean shared a photo of the incident on his Instagram Stories with the caption: "@paulmullin12 saving you from getting battered bud". Mullin replied by thanking his team-mate, who so often throughout his career has been the aggressor in similar moments.

Instagram (@paulmullin12)

Wrexham are up to fourth in League One after a convincing performance against the previously-unbeaten Reading. Ollie Palmer, Elliot Lee and Andy Cannon were on the scoresheet as Phil Parkinson's side made it seven points from nine in the league.

Mullin, a favourite with Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is set for an intense week of training as he steps up his recovery, with a view to playing more minutes in next Saturday's clash against fellow promotion hopefuls Peterborough United.