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 Barclays 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, www.nufc.co.uk.

"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."

Chief executive Chris Mort yesterday emphasised the club's support for Keegan.

Mort insisted the board were fully behind the former England boss and had no doubts about his enthusiasm for the job.

Newcastle have a tough month in store, with matches against Liverpool and relegation rivals Birmingham and Fulham.

Smith has experienced the drop before and famously left the field in tears when hometown club Leeds tumbled out of the top flight in 2004.

He is determined to ensure Newcastle avoid a similar fate and added: "It's getting tight but you always knew it would do.

"We looked at our home games as ones that were winnable, and one was against Blackburn.

"We've deserved the criticism on occasions this season and we're all big enough to accept that.

"It's up to us as a team, as players, and as people to sort that out."