'Immense accomplishment' - Ryan Reynolds sends heartfelt message to Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard after his unlikely university graduation at the age of 37

Most people graduate from university in their early twenties, but Howard has shown that you are never too old for education. On Wednesday he shared the news that he has graduated from Staffordshire University with First Class Honours in Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting. While his Wrexham teammates congratulated and ribbed him in equal measure, Reynolds shared a heartfelt message on Instagram.

Less than a year ago Howard was Wrexham's first-choice goalkeeper, but the veteran lost his starting spot when former Premier League shot-stopper Ben Foster came out of retirement to help the Red Dragons' promotion push. With Wrexham now in League Two, Howard is behind Arthur Okonkwo and Luke McNicholas in the pecking order.

Wrexham co-owner Reynolds took to Instagram to share a message with his goalkeeper. "Huge news!!!," the Hollywood star wrote. "To do this while playing professional football and raising two kids is an immense accomplishment. So proud of you pal."

Howard posted a graduation photo with the caption: "What an amazing but surreal day celebrating my graduation. It’s been a very enjoyable couple of years whilst playing and enjoying my football, your never too old to learn."

Wrexham captain Ben Tozer replied in jest: "Congratulations mate. The oldest person to have ever graduated?"

Howard's contract will expire at the end of the current season. If he decides to retire from professional football at 37, then he looks set to enter the world of football media.