Claudio Ranieri says Fulham need a ‘miracle’ if they are to avoid the drop but he feels the players still believe they can pull clear of danger.

The Cottagers went down 3-1 at West Ham on Friday night despite taking an early lead through Ryan Babbel.

Fulham have lost six of their last seven Premier League games and could be eight points adrift of safety after the latest round of fixtures have come to an end, depending on results elsewhere.

Ranieri is well aware his side are in real trouble but the Italian manager believes the squad have the fighting spirit required to mount a late push for survival.

“It will be a miracle [if Fulham survive], but we must fight together,” Ranieri told reporters. “If you fight you have one chance, if you don’t you won’t.

The level of confidence increases when you win and now that’s a long time ago. “But they train well and this means they believe.”

Fulham face a crucial trip to Southampton on Wednesday in what looks to be a must-win clash for Ranieri’s side as they bid to close the gap on one of their relegation rivals.

The Cottagers are 4.00 to take all three points, Saints are 1.95 and a draw is 3.60. Fulham are 2.40 to score first and 34.00 to win 3-1, while an away win and over 2.5 goals is 6.00.