Bassett was speaking as the Foxes finally launch their New Year programme at West Ham.

Leicester are six points adrift of the safety zone after collecting only 16 points from their opening 20 matches.

Bassett said: "We do not have time on our side in our current predicament and we probably need 24 more points from our remaining 18 matches to stay in the Premiership.

"It's a tall order and is one that ultimately only the players can tell us is an achievable one."

He added: "We are not losing many games - but our problem is we are not scoring or winning enough. Our goal-scoring record is pathetic. There's no other word for it.

"We've created a fair amount of chances but we're not putting them away and there is a lack of goals all round from the team.

"It's disappointing because we had got ourselves into a reasonable position and we've not been able to capitalise on it.

"There was no reason why we couldn't have got seven points from the three games over Christmas but missed chances, a lack of professionalism and poor discipline cost us dear.

"It was bitterly disappointing and it has put more pressure on the other games coming up. We're a bit adrift and have got a bit of catching up to do."