LUKE SUMMERFIELD insists the Wrexham players will remain focused on the pitch while the club decides who will be the next manager.

Sam Ricketts, told not to attend Saturday's FA Cup tie against Newport Count amid speculation linking with the vacant managerial position at Shrewsbury, has since been appointed the League One club's new boss.

His assistant, Graham Barrow, took charge of the second round clash which ended in a goalless draw and has since been named interim manager with the process underway to appoint Ricketts' successor.

But with Wrexham among the National League frontrunners, Summerfield says the players won't be affected by off-the-field matters and is targeting victory against Eastleigh at The Racecourse on Saturday in the push for promotion.

"The way we prepare through the week, nothing changes," said Summerfield. "Graham prepared us on Saturday before the game, the gaffer was the week before, but nothing changes.

"We are professionals and we were still going to carry out the game-plan that we had and I think we did that.

"We were unlucky not to win, we were the better side and gave it a right good go.

"We conducted ourselves very well and should be pleased with our performance, it is just a shame that we didn't get the goal to get through but we are still in the hat.

"We will look ahead to Saturday's game first and then the replay.

"Whether somebody was still here or it was up in the air, our focus this week was still going to be to prepare for Eastleigh."

Summerfield is pleased that the uncertainty over Ricketts' position has been resolved quickly and says it is a case of business as usual.

"The merry-go-round to do with the gaffer has gone now, it is good that it has been sorted out for the football club," said Summerfield.

"It is one of them things in football; players go and managers go, that is all part of the merry-go-round that football brings.

"Everyone is glad that it has all been sorted one way or another and we can now look forward.

"It will be a tough game against Eastleigh but we know if we prepare right, we know how well we have done at home this year and hopefully it can carry on."

Wrexham's unbeaten record at The Racecourse came to an end when they lost 2-0 to title rivals Leyton Orient in the last home game prior to the stalemate with League Two Newport.

The Reds performed well in both games but Summerfield admits they need to start firing in front of goal.

"The performances have been really good at home, the last two results haven't been what we'd have hoped for with a loss and a draw but the performances have been up there with the best we have done this year," said Summerfield.

"Hopefully that will continue and if we create the chances to score the goals that we know we can score, we can create a lot of problems not just at home but also away.

"Performances have been good but results are the most important thing so hopefully we can get three points against Eastleigh."

Wrexham will host Premier League side Leicester City in they beat Newport in Tuesday's replay but Summerfield is looking no further than Eastleigh.

"All we are thinking about is Eastleigh, that is the most important thing," added Summerfield.

"We know what is ahead, the incentive is there, but we can't look no further than Saturday."