'Great lift' for Wrexham as Mullin nears return

Striker Paul Mullin has scored more than 100 goals for Wrexham since joining from Cambridge United in 2021

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson says it is a "great lift" to have Paul Mullin back in training as the prolific striker nears a return from injury.

Mullin had minor spinal surgery in June and missed Wrexham's opening League One win over Wycombe Wanderers last weekend, as well as Tuesday's EFL Cup first-round exit at Sheffield United.

Parkinson has not set a date for the 29-year-old's first game back but is glad to see the club's top scorer in the past three seasons return to training.

“In terms of his injury, he looks great," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"Fitness-wise, he’s got work to do but he’s been out on the grass for the last week and he’s getting stronger each day.

“It’s a great lift for us to have Paul out there. We’ve got to be patient – we don’t want to re-injure him by exposing him too soon – but equally he’s been a fantastic player for us.”

Meanwhile, Wrexham could be without new signing Ollie Rathbone for Sunday's trip to Bolton Wanderers.

The midfielder, who joined Wrexham for a club-record fee from Rotherham United, made his debut during that EFL Cup loss to the Blades.

Parkinson said: “Ollie Rathbone took a whack and he’ll be touch and go whether he makes it this weekend, but it won’t keep him out much longer than the weekend. We’ll assess him.”