Waynne Phillips believes Paul Mullin has put himself in contention for a first league start of the season at Birmingham City thanks to his EFL Trophy goal against Salford City.

Mullin scored his first goal of 2024-25 as Wrexham beat Salford 2-1 at the Stok Racecourse on Tuesday, curling the ball home in spectacular fashion from outside the area.

The goal came in the striker’s first start of the campaign after a recovering from surgery on a back injury.

Mullin has made three substitute appearances in League One so far this term, but former Wrexham midfielder Phillips is keen to see the 29-year-old get more game-time in the third tier.

“Paul Mullin is special,” he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

“I am looking forward to seeing him at League One level.

“The two strikers at the moment in the first team, Jack Marriott and Ollie Palmer, have done ever so well.

“Paul Mullin may have to wait a bit longer before he gets a starting place, but he has put himself right in the frame with that goal.”

The Salford victory was a fourth in succession for Wrexham, who are top of the table having taken 13 points from their first five league games this season.

They face fourth-placed Birmingham, the pre-season title favourites, in a mouthwatering game on Monday night.

The Salford victory came despite boss Phil Parkinson making 11 changes to the side which beat Shrewsbury Town 3-0 last weekend.

“He gave players much-needed game-time – Paul Mullin being one of them,” Phillips added.

“I think it was important that he got 70 minutes under his belt to put himself in the frame for what is a massive game at Birmingham next week.”