Wrexham: Longer deals for 'good players' a 'priority' - Kevin Wilkin

Former Nuneaton coach Kevin Wilkin took over as Wrexham manager in March 2014

Wrexham manager Kevin Wilkin says his side will not be distracted by their FA Cup run when they face Southport in the FA Trophy first round on Saturday.

The Dragons beat Maidstone 3-1 to set up a lucrative trip to Premier League Stoke City in the third round.

Wilkin has been promised money from their cup exploits to buy new players, but says using it to retain existing players is his "priority".

"It's about securing the good players we've got at this club," said Wilkin.

"That for me would be a priority at this stage."

Defenders Manny Smith, Blaine Hudson and strikers Connor Jennings and Louis Moult are thought to be four players that Wilkin is keen to secure on longer term deals.

"I think we've got nearly enough to get into the play-offs with what we've got," said Wilkin.

"We need to get them tied down and connected to the club for a longer time now and hopefully progress and have a real stability about what we are trying to do," said Wilkin.

Wrexham are one of eight non-league clubs still in the FA Cup, including Saturday's opponents Southport.

The Merseyside club have been drawn away to Championship leaders Derby County in the third round.

Wilkin says the club will not be distracted from focusing on the FA Trophy, a competition they won in 2013 at Wembley.

"When the Stoke game comes around that will be our focus," said Wilkin, "but at this stage our focus is only on Southport on Saturday.

"We are not looking or thinking about the FA Cup as such, that will take care of itself in due course."

The Dragons are undefeated in their last four matches and are currently 12th in the Conference.

Despite their cup exploits Wilkin says the league is the club's "priority".

"We want to try and progress up the league and try and get into those play-off positions," said Wilkin.

"We've done better of late results wise and I want to continue that Saturday and into the following week as well.

"You're always trying to build that bit of momentum and continuity with what you do and this could be the start of it.

"Every game is tough and every team is looking to go on a run and we are no different."