Micky Adams says Claudio Ranieri is the only manager keeping cool in the heat of the title race

Former Leicester boss Micky Adams thinks Claudio Ranieri holds the key to the Premier League title race.

The appointment of Ranieri was questioned by many last summer but the experienced Italian manager has guided the Foxes to a five-point lead at the top of the table.

Seen as possible relegation candidates at the start of the season, Leicester are just nine games from becoming the most improbable of Premier League winners.

And Adams, who managed Leicester in the top flight himself during his stint in charge (2002-04), thinks Ranieri's coolness under pressure could prove to be a trump card.

Asked by Sky Sports News HQ if Leicester would go on to win the title, Adams said: "Why not?

"Two things. One, I think the players believe in what they are doing, which is important, and two, I think they have got a belief in Claudio Ranieri.

"They talk about pressure and it seems to me every other manager has talked about the pressure, but the one person who doesn't show it is Claudio Ranieri, and I think he is going to be key to this.

"He was not a popular choice among the fans, they weren't really sure about him, but what a fantastic job he has done."

Adams also thinks Leicester have the season's best player on their side in the shape of Riyad Mahrez, who made his latest vital contribution when he scored the winner at Watford on Saturday.

Asked if Mahrez was the top candidate to be player of the season, Adams said: "He's got to be.

"There could be a case argued for (Leicester forward Jamie) Vardy also but Mahrez has been outstanding. Not only his contribution in terms of goals but his assists also.

"There will be a lot of owners looking at their chief scouts and asking 'how has Mahrez ended up at Leicester?'"

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The Foxes do not have another game until Newcastle visit next Monday (14 March), live on Sky Sports 1 HD, and their title rivals have much busier programmes in the coming weeks.

"I think it is an advantage," said Adams. "From the physical side of things, it will help them. If people are carrying injuries, they will have longer to recover from them.

"Mahrez is key at this moment in time and, if he has got a little hamstring injury (he was taken off at Watford), he will have time to recover from that.

"I think Leicester will be really refreshed coming into the Newcastle game, which I think will be vital to them."