The popular Wrexham forward is now ramping up his recovery from his punctured lung injury after playing his first full game since his horror collision with Manchester United’s goalkeeper
Paul Mullin is continuing his recovery from his punctured lung injury with a goalscoring appearance against Crewe Alexandra
Wrexham talisman Paul Mullin has opened up on playing through the pain barrier as he continues his recovery from the punctured lung injury he sustained in pre-season.
The prolific goalscorer was a major miss for the Red Dragons during the early weeks of the season after he was agonisingly sidelined following his exploits last term. A collision with Manchester United’s goalkeeper during the club’s US tour meant he missed their opening six League Two games.
Now on the comeback trail, he played his first full 90 minutes of the campaign so far in the 3-3 draw against Crewe Alexandra. To his visible delight, the Liverpudlian marksman also netted his first two league strikes of the season - including a spectacular overhead-kick collector’s item.
The popular forward, who provided 38 league goals on the way to promotion for Wrexham last term, has now reflected on the months he spent in rehabilitation. After intially being unable to return home to the UK, he eventually would return from his knock ahead of schedule.
Explaining how that came about, the 28-year-old said: “I came back a lot quicker than expected. I was told by one specialist that it could have been six months (out). That would have been the end of the world for me.
“But it does still feel like a long-term injury, as I haven’t played a proper full game since April against Yeovil at home. This (against Crewe) was my first 90 minutes for a really long time.
“It has been the first injury to keep me out longer than a week. It has been pleasing to score but I know I’ve still got to work as hard as I can to make me feel as good as last year.”
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Paul Mullin has been eased back into the fold by Phil Parkinson this term after his injury (
Image:
Getty Images)
He also revealed that he was initially told by medical staff he would need to wear some protective padding on his chest following his injuries. However, it appears that the former Tranmere Rovers man has already gone against their orders in this regard as he continues his recovery.
He added: “I was meant to wear it for a few weeks. But I’d rather take the pain and play in discomfort. To be fair, my ribs are 100 per cent now, apart from when I lay in bed. I’ve had to become accustomed to sleeping on my right side.”
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Ultimately, his brace was not enough to earn Wrexham all three points against Crewe, with Steven Fletcher earning the Welsh team a point in injury time. However, after having a man sent off, coming back from behind to secure a draw in the dying moments will almost feel like a win.
Moreover, Mullen’s first goals for the Dragons since puncturing his lung back in San Diego on July 26 will provide a massive morale boost for Phil Parkinson and his team. After a mercurial start to the campaign, Wrexham sit ninth in League Two after ten games played.
