Soumare hails Smith's galvanising impact and doesn't accept Leicester are doomed

The Foxes travel to Newcastle on Monday sitting in 19th spot knowing relegation from the Premier League could be on the cards.

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That would only happen if the East Midlands outfit fail to win at St James' Park and 17th-placed Everton beat Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.

But despite fear amongst the Leicester fans, former Lille midfielder Soumare doesn't accept the club are doomed to go down with two games left to play.

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Soumare has been a key player for Leicester this season, featuring in 24 top-flight matches - five more than he managed last campaign.

And the 24-year-old, who has started the last five games under boss Smith, has praised the ex-Aston Villa manager for his impact on the squad.

Since Smith replaced Brendan Rodgers in the dugout on a deal until the end end of the season, they have won one out of six fixtures - drawing two and losing three.

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Though two of their defeats were against Manchester City and Liverpool, while they were on the wrong end of an eight-goal thriller away at Fulham.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com about what their new manager has brought to the club, Soumare said: "Dean Smith has certainly helped with galvanising the team.

"He's given us strength to continue and with more confidence - certainly with his preparation for matches.

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"But also, let's not forget we were all in a fairly tough situation when he arrived.

"So I would say having Dean Smith here has been definitely an opportunity for us."

Soumare has admitted the campaign so far has been tough, but stressed that his teammates are refusing to give up hope of survival.

H"It's been quite difficult and complicated in certain ways in terms of the results that we've obtained.

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"There are some difficulties amongst what we have managed to achieve so far.

"However, there is still the possibility of achieving certain goals and one of those is certainly maintaining our place in the Premier League."

Asked whether the players are still confident of staying up, Soumare stated: "Of course, it's completely possible with two matches to go, this is football.

"Anything can happen, it's still within our grasp, so of course there is that feeling amongst the players."

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And the former France youth international has vowed Leicester will show 'no fear' against high-flying Newcastle in what promises to be a hostile atmosphere.

He said: "Newcastle are certainly in a good phase, they're on a good run of matches and they've got a good team.

"However, this is football, and as we know anything can happen in a game.

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"It's important for us to go there and show no fear and put in a good performance, so we'll see what happens."

Leicester's last game of the season will come against West Ham at the King Power Stadium.

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