PAUL Mullin insists he will be ready for the start of the new season, despite being scheduled to have a hernia operation early next month.

The Accrington Stanley striker thought he had suffered a groin strain towards the end of last term but battled through the pain barrier in the Reds' promotion run-in.

However, his condition worsened during his family holiday and a hernia was diagnosed on his return.

As a result, pre-season has started early for Mullin as he is undergoing treatment from physio Ian Liversedge.

But, even after his operation, the front man only expects to be out of action for around a week.

"There's discomfort there, but I can still run and use the gym and the pool, so there are things that I can do up until having the operation," he said.

"It's just striking the ball and changing direction that are the main problems.

"I'm under the physio's wing at the moment but I should only miss a few days.

"The surgeon who's doing the operation treated Paul Scholes and he was back playing within 16 days, so it's not as bad as it used to be."

Mullin, whose goal against Woking on April 15 fired Stanley back into the Football League after a 44-year absence, added: "I'll probably miss a few pre-season games but, as long as I'm right for the start of the season, that's all that matters.

"It's better finding out now than in September."