When will prolific Paul Mullin be back to his best for Wrexham after punctured lung? Phil Parkinson answers ‘difficult question’

The 28-year-old striker picked up an unfortunate injury during the Dragons’ pre-season tour of the United States – with a painful collision seeing him laid low by Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop. Mullin was unable to return to North Wales at the start of his recovery, but did step off the bench for Wrexham in their 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

Parkinson is delighted to have Mullin back – after seeing him hit 47 goals across all competitions last season – but told reporters when quizzed on when the prolific frontman will be firing on all cylinders again: "Difficult question, but I thought he looked sharp when he came on. For 30 minutes he put a really good shift for the team. He's a fit lad."

Wrexham are finding goals from other areas at present – while adding veteran Scotland international striker Steven Fletcher to their ranks – with Elliot Lee netting another dramatic winner for them against Doncaster. Parkinson added on the all-action midfielder: "He's a little magician, Elliot. He's got real magic in his boots and you see that time and time again with him. There won't be too many that's got as many goals as Elliot, basically from a deeper position, which he's played for us, but you always feel that when he gets in around the box something's going to happen."

Wrexham will be back in action next weekend when playing host to Grimsby, with Mullin likely to figure in that contest as the Dragons – who are co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – look to piece together another promotion push.