Wrexham striker Mullin back 'sooner rather than later'

Paul Mullin joined Wrexham from Cambridge United in the summer of 2021

Wrexham striker Paul Mullin "feels so much better" after minor spinal surgery, says manager Phil Parkinson.

Mullin is recovering after the operation in June on a "long-term lower-back/hamstring issue".

The 29-year-old will miss the start of Wrexham's season in League One, at home to Wycombe Wanderers on 10 August, but Parkinson hopes his striker will be back "sooner rather than later".

"Paul is progressing well and he'll be back out on the grass by Thursday next week [8 August], which is fantastic for us," Parkinson said.

"He's a naturally fit lad and I don't think it will be long to get back and start knocking on the door saying he's ready.

"I've talked to him and the operation has done its trick and feels so much better, and so it was the right decision to go ahead with it.

"Touch wood, if there's no problems with it I envisage he'll be back sooner rather than later."

Mullin missed Wrexham's three-game tour of North America, during which they drew with Premier League sides Bournemouth and Chelsea before a 4-1 win over Major League Soccer team Vancouver Whitecaps.

Wrexham returned earlier this week and Parkinson was very pleased with the trip, which featured new signings Lewis Brunt, George Dobson, Seb Revan and Callum Burton.

"It was an incredible experience to be out there," Parkinson said.

"Games were of high quality, training facilities were good, so all in all I feel we've had a very beneficial 12 days.

"The new lads have integrated well, which is really important.

"The squad is getting stronger and we're pleased."

Jordan Davies had a spell with Brighton & Hove Albion before re-joining hometown club Wrexham in August 2020

Jordan Davies, who scored twice on the trip, could be among a number of players who will be allowed to go out on loan.

Wrexham-born Davies, 25, has found first opportunities limited in the past two seasons and hampered by a serious knee injury which the midfielder suffered in November 2022.

"Jordan's done well," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"There's a possibility Jordan will still be going out on loan because I feel he's at the stage of his career where he needs to be starting games.

"We've been looking at a few options for him and working at that. If that happens then great, if it doesn't then he's an integral part of the squad.

"There's a couple we're talking to clubs about taking some of our players because we can only have 22 in the [matchday] squad.

"So as much as we are bringing players in, we've got to have one eye on being fair to other players as well, and there's a few clubs in for some of our players who we feel is the right decision for them to go."