Newcastle striker Alan Smith believes manager Kevin Keegan's influence is now starting to show and results will soon improve.

The Magpies are in freefall having not won in seven matches since Keegan's hugely popular return to the St James' Park hotseat.

With the team now just three points above the Premier League relegation zone, there has been talk of yet another crisis on Tyneside but Smith is convinced things will come good.

Newcastle produced one of their best performances since Keegan took charge in January before going down 1-0 to a late Blackburn goal on Saturday.

"The more and more we work together, the more influence the manager is having," said 27-year-old Smith on the club's official website.

"We are getting fitter and there is a camaraderie and that's something the gaffer has emphasised since he came in.

"Everyone is playing for each other and that stands us in good stead."

Smith also urged his team-mates to pick up the fight.

"It is a time where we have to stand up and be counted, go out in front of 52,000 people and prove our worth," he added.

"We've got to show everyone that we want to fight for the cause."