Midfielder Kearney has been left out of the side since the departure of former manager Brian Little a month ago.

But with Andy Fleming and on-loan Joe Allen both ruled out through injury, Kearney is in line to make a first start under new boss Dean Saunders alongside Levi Mackin in the centre of midfield.

And Kearney admits he is champing at the bit to win his place back and show Saunders what he can do.

"Hopefully it will be tomorrow," said Kearney today. "We've got two injuries in my position so hopefully I get in the side and show the gaffer what I can do.

"You get injuries, and changes in team selection. I have been training hard, you have got to be ready to step back in.

"If the gaffer needs me tomorrow I am ready. I can't wait to get back in.

"I had 90 minutes in the practice game on Wednesday and am looking forward to hopefully being involved tomorrow in some capacity – but the main thing is the team wins."

Fleming is sidelined with a cartilage injury and missed last week's win at Mansfield Town, while Allen, who has returned to Swansea, damaged ankle ligaments in training on Tuesday and could be out for up to a month.

Both had impressed since coming into the side under Saunders, but Kearney said whoever is brought into the side against Eastwood has got to make the most of the opportunity: "Credit to Joe and Andy for the way they have played," he said.

"It is unfortunate for Andy. He has waited for his chance, come in and done very well.

"Joe has got a great goal on his debut and also done well for the team.

"But injuries are part of football. That's why you have a big squad.

"Players have to come in, do a job and make the place their own."

Although he has been left out of the side so far during Saunders' reign, which has seen Wrexham win all three matches, Kearney has not let his head drop.

"Obviously when a new manager comes in there are changes," said Kearney. "We have won three and that is great for the team.

"I am out at the moment and it is up to me to get into the team and perform, and be involved in a winning side.

"I will work hard in training and if I get my chance, play the best I can."

Summer signing Kearney was handed the captaincy by Little but Neil Taylor has been skipper under Saunders.

Having been honoured to don the captain's armband, Kearney said his priority now is to earn a recall.

"We've got a new boss and I've not read too much into it," said Kearney.

"Brian Little made me captain which was a privilege but it is not playing on my mind.

"The main thing is to get back in the side and be included in the gaffer's plans."

Wrexham, forced to quality for the first round proper of the FA Cup following relegation from the Football League, face an Eastwood side who are currently eighth in the Unibond League Premier.

And although Kearney said Eastwood cannot be underestimated, he said the Reds will avoid a possible upset if they perform as they have been in recent weeks.

"You can't take them lightly and have to prepare for it like you would for a league game," added Kearney.

"We've got to be focussed and give 100 per cent. We want to go as far as we can in the cup.

"I am sure if we acquit ourselves and perform like we have been, we should not have a problem."