PAUL Mullin has revealed he had to put his family ahead of his country after withdrawing from the initial National Game XI squad.

The Accrington Stanley striker was selected in manager Paul Fairclough's initial 35-man squad for this week's Four Nations Tournament.

But before the squad was whittled down to 18, with Reds midfielders Ian Craney and Gary Roberts included in the shortlist, Mullin announced he would not be available for selection because of a pre-booked family holiday.

"I would have been okay for two of the games but I couldn't have played in the final game," said the 32-year-old, who may never qualify again for the squad following the Reds' promotion back to the Football League.

"We have no flexibility with our holidays because my wife's a teacher so we have to go away in May.

"In the summer holidays I'm back in training, so it's the only time we can go away as a family.

"I was pleased to be in the first squad. It's nice recognition.

"It's a sickener that I can't play, but I didn't want to miss a day of my holiday."

And Mullin hopes he will benefit from a complete break from playing after struggling with a neck injury towards the end of last season.

"It has gone a bit easier. I've been doing the exercises the physio gave me but it will be good to rest it," he said.