Why Wrexham's Paul Mullin isn't playing after previously netting 110 goals for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's side

Mullin has been a talismanic presence for the Red Dragons since becoming one of the first marquee signings for Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021. His efforts helped to secure the National League title and automatic promotion out of League Two.

Mullin did, however, miss the start of the current campaign after undergoing minor spinal surgery. He has struggled for a spark since then, finding the target just five times through 31 appearances this term – with only three of those goals recorded in League One.

The 30-year-old has been nursing a shin problem of late, but was back in training ahead of a visit to Northampton. Parkinson has said of Mullin being left out of his plans for a 2-0 win at Sixfields: "Mulls is fine, he's fit. He trained well last week, he looked really sharp the back end of the week. But I wanted to go with Fletch [Steven Fletcher] and Jack [Marriott] on the bench. I wanted to get the balance of the bench right and I felt we did that."

Mullin faces fierce competition for striking berths at Wrexham, with Reynolds and McElhenney making the funds available in the January transfer window that allowed one-cap England international Jay Rodriguez and club-record signing Sam Smith to be added to the ranks at SToK Racecourse.