‘End of the world’ – Paul Mullin told he could miss six months as Wrexham striker explains why he is ignoring medical advice regarding protective vest after punctured lung

The prolific Red Dragons frontman picked up an unfortunate injury during a pre-season clash with Manchester United on American soil. He was initially prevented from heading home, as co-owner Rob McElhenney helped to put a roof over his head in the States, but is now back in action and registered his first goals of 2023-24 last time out against Crewe.

Mullin has said of recovering from a serious knock that could have kept him out for much of the current campaign: “I came back a lot quicker than expected. I was told by one specialist that it could have been six months (out). That would have been the end of the world for me. But it does still feel like a long-term injury, as I haven’t played a proper full game since April against Yeovil at home. This (against Crewe) was my first 90 minutes for a really long time. It has been the first injury to keep me out longer than a week. It has been pleasing to score but I know I’ve still got to work as hard as I can to make me feel as good as last year.”

Mullin returned to action wearing extra padding on his chest, but he has already gone against the wishes of medical staff. He added: “I was meant to wear it for a few weeks. But I’d rather take the pain and play in discomfort. To be fair, my ribs are 100 per cent now, apart from when I lay in bed. I’ve had to become accustomed to sleeping on my right side.”

Mullin hit 47 goals for Wrexham across all competitions last season, helping the Welsh outfit to promotion and an all-expenses-paid-trip to Las Vegas, and has said of rediscovering his best form following an enforced spell on the sidelines: “It is disappointing when you get injured. The toughest thing has been everyone expecting me to come back and be where I was instantly. That’s not how football works. I have had to get fit by playing games. I am still not where I want to be. Mentally, it is tough when everyone else is flying and fully fit. You are always playing catch-up when you go into games. I had to trust in the process and then the sharpness will naturally come back. It will take time to feel 100 per cent again.”