FULHAM boss Claudio Ranieri insists his players still believe they can avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Cottagers won their first game under Ranieri, 3-2 against Saints in November.

But they arrive at St Mary’s tomorrow night on the back of a sixth defeat in seven Premier League games, following their 3-1 loss at West Ham.

“The level of confidence increases when you win," Ranieri told fulhamfc.com.

“Now, our last victory was a long time ago. It’s important that we continue to fight.

“For us, I know it’s tough, but we must believe. We must continue to fight because I don’t like players who give up.

“In training, they train very well, which means they believe.

“We will fight together. If you fight, you may have a chance.

“I know it’s very difficult, but we must fight. If you don’t fight, you’ve lost before play. “I believe in every one of my players.”

Fulham captain Tom Cairney has emphasised the importance of tomorrow night’s game for his side.

“It is a must-win game on Wednesday, it is as simple as that,” he said.

“We have got some of the big teams coming up and no one expects you to get much out of those games.

“There is still belief but it is tough, I am not going to lie. On the training pitch it is hard not knowing where the next win is coming from.

“It’s still possible [to stay up] but we need to start winning games.”