Dean Smith calls for Leicester’s players and fans to pull together ahead of Sunday’s survival scrap

Dean Smith made a plea for unity as Leicester try to secure the win on Sunday that will give them a chance of avoiding relegation.

It has been a dire season for the Foxes, who must beat West Ham and hope Everton fail to take three points against Bournemouth if they are to remain in the Premier League.

Supporters have booed the team in recent games and called into the question the commitment of the players, who nevertheless responded with a battling 0-0 draw at Newcastle on May 23 to ensure Leicester stayed in touch.

‘We all have a responsibility for Leicester City,’ said Smith, who replaced Brendan Rodgers with eight games remaining. ‘It’s our club now and our job is to do the best we can.

‘The only way we can win is if we are together. My job is to make sure there are no regrets from the players. We will have players on the bench who can change the game for us if needed.

The out-of-form Foxes will suffer relegation if they fail to beat the Hammers – and will need Everton to draw or lose at home to Bournemouth to stay in the Premier League if they win

Smith, who became interim boss after Brendan Rodgers’ exit, urged the club to pull together

‘We need the 100 per cent support of the fans. The players, staff, the club – we are all in the same boat in wanting to stay in the Premier League. 

‘The only way we can do that is if we all stay together. I have no doubt we will.’

Smith is expected to recall James Maddison and Harvey Barnes after gambling on leaving out his top scorers in favour of a more defensive set-up at Newcastle.

But with victory the only result that can help Leicester, the pair are likely to be restored for what is likely to be their final game for the club.