SAM RICKETTS is preparing for three "massive" league games over the next eight days.

Wrexham head to Chesterfield tomorrow before returning to The Racecourse for back to back home matches against Hartlepool on Tuesday and Gateshead next Saturday.

Currently second in the table, Ricketts wants a healthy points-return to maintain the promotion challenge before Wrexham visit Weston-super-Mare in the first round of the FA Cup in a fortnight.

"Three massive games for us," said Ricketts.

"We are only looking at Chesterfield first and foremost but it is a really big eight days.

"Nine points on offer and we have to make sure we are giving ourselves the best opportunity to get as many as we can."

Ricketts insists Chesterfield, who have struggled following their relegation from the Football League, will be no pushovers.

"Another really tough game," said Ricketts.

"Chesterfield are a big club, got relegated last year and struggled a little bit but they are on a decent run of form, a really good win in the FA Cup at Fylde.

"We are going to have to be ready to go and perform at our very best to try and get three points."

Ricketts will assess captain Shaun Pearson and key midfielder Luke Summerfield, who both missed Tuesday's replay victory over Harrogate Town with knocks, before naming his side.

"We will just keep an eye on the lads who didn't play the other night," said Ricketts.

"We have got such a good squad that I don't have to risk players if they are not right."

Kevin Roberts switched to the centre of defence with Pearson not risked and Ricketts praised his players' commitment to the cause.

"It is testament to the players that their commitment to wanting to play, take on instructions and understand each others roles, and how well they adapt," said Ricketts.

"Kevin went to centre-back, he played there as a younger player but he hasn't featured there this season apart from filling in during the last 10 minutes of a game.

"It just shows the level of professionalism within the squad and individual players that they can go in and play slightly different positions.

"Mark Carrington moving left-back, right-back, left-back, right-back, is brilliant and another reason why we are doing well."

Wrexham will be backed by more than 1,000 supporters at The Proact Stadium but Ricketts says having large away followings is not a rarity.

"It is phenomenal taking that many away fans and it is not just a one-off," added Ricketts.

"We have taken large numbers to all our away games, no matter how many hours away it is, on Tuesday nights and Saturdays.

"The players feed off the supporters' backing and their vocal support is enormous if we are to be successful."