Found appealing tot going around the mud (7)

I believe the answer is:

admired

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'found appealing' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'tot going around the mud' is the wordplay.
'tot' becomes 'add' (synonyms).
'going around' indicates putting letters inside.
'the mud' becomes 'mire' (I've seen this before).
'add' enclosing 'mire' is 'ADMIRED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for admired that I've seen before include "Looked up to" , "Thought highly of" , "Popular" , "Approved - wondered at" , "applauded" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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