MICHAEL Appleton feels the secret to Oxford United staying focused amid a combination of distractions on and off the field is to stick with the normal routine.

A trip to Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy is just over a week away and yesterday the players and staff were made available to local and national media for interviews.

There is also uncertainty over the future ownership of United, with two groups understood to be interested in investing.

But Appleton’s job is to avoid anyone getting sidetracked from the job in hand – finding the best way to get three points at Northampton Town in Sky Bet League One tomorrow.

The head coach said: “It certainly doesn’t distract me.

“Trying to keep that away from the players can be difficult at times.

“But there’s no-one more selfish than a professional footballer.

“Ultimately they would only ever use that as an excuse, because all they care about is making sure they play and perform really well.”

“As long as we keep the environment the same and make sure they are prepared properly for the opposition, then I don’t expect any difference in terms of performance.”

He added: “We’ve got some big games between now and the end of the season – and to be fair none bigger than the one on Saturday.”

It is only a week since Appleton spoke about planning for life in League One next season, while reiterating his ambition to reach the Championship with United.

Chairman Darryl Eales used his programme notes before the game against Bolton on Tuesday to echo the sentiments about pushing for the second tier.

He wrote: “Our playing budget has been increased this season and is competitive in League One.

“Maintaining this is sacrosanct and I expect it to be increased next season.”

Appleton is hoping to speak with Eales shortly to get an idea of the resources he will have for the 2017/18 campaign.

But he reacted with cautious optimism to the notes.

Appleton said: “I suppose you’ve got to be encouraged, but until I hear it from the horse’s mouth, I’ll keep my head down and keep doing what I’m doing.”