Gary Rowett: New Leicester manager focused on climbing Championship table

New Leicester City head coach Gary Rowett says he won’t let the club’s off-field issues distract him from the task of keeping the team in the Championship.

Former Foxes defender Rowett, 51, was appointed on Wednesday, less than 24 hours before Leicester launched an appeal against a six-point deduction that has left them in the relegation zone.

“That’s the club’s concern, that’s out of our hands,” Rowett said.

“My remit is very clear – can we go and change our fortunes? That’s my focus.”

Leicester are third from bottom in the Championship, two points adrift of safety with 14 games remaining and are on a seven-game winless streak in all competitions.

But Rowett, who had two years as a Leicester player after joining from Birmingham City in 2000, is confident of turning the team’s fortunes around.

“It’s completely achievable,” he said.

“It’s about looking up, not looking behind you and thinking about what teams around you are doing.

“There’s a lot of teams that we can try and reel in and overtake. It’s a positive opportunity for the players to show what they’re all about for the last 14 games.

“If we keep learning and keep improving then we’ll climb the table.”