Caretaker manager Mike Stowell believes Leicester have a squad capable of finishing in the top seven of the Premier League this season.

The Foxes parted company with Claude Puel on Sunday following a run of six defeats from their last seven games across all competitions.

A humiliating FA Cup loss at the hands of fourth-tier Newport formed part of that run while they have also slipped down to 12th in the Premier League standings, just eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Leicester are as close to the bottom three as they are to a top-seven finish but Stowell, who has been appointed caretaker manager alongside Adam Sadler, believes they have a squad capable of a strong run in to the end of the season.

“I’ve spoken to the players and told them how good they are and reminded them that they are a top-seven team.

That’s where we should be and that’s where we should be aiming to get back to,” Stowell told reporters.

Leicester back in action on Tuesday when they welcome Brighton to the King Power Stadium and Stowell believes it is a positive to have a game so quickly after Puel’s sacking.

“It’s good that there is a game coming up so quickly but the players are professional and that’s the focus.

They know they need to step up and go again against Brighton,” he added.

The Foxes are priced at 1.95 to win Tuesday’s match while Brighton, who themselves are on a poor run of form, are available at 4.33. The draw is on offer at 3.40.