Romain Vincelot believes a change in the attitude from the players has resulted in Leyton Orient’s improved form and boosted their chances of avoiding the drop.

The O’s were heavily criticised by manager Fabio Liverani, following their 4-1 home defeat to Scunthorpe United at the end of January, for complaining too much. But the squad have responded with three wins in their last five games and the French midfielder believes the players’ positive outlook has been a crucial turning point.

Vincelot said: “I think before we had just too much complaining and saying everything was against us. I think now for a few weeks we’ve decided we can’t change what’s happened and stopped complaining because we’re not getting anywhere like that. We’ve changed the spirit completely and that's why I’m very confident.”

Vincelot thinks everyone at the club has adopted a positive attitude and the fans have united to get behind the team in their bid to avoid relegation.

When asked if the Scunthorpe defeat was the watershed moment, he replied: “I don’t know because this was a bad game (Scunthorpe) for us. We had a good game before this one but after this one I think maybe there was a consistency in terms of performance and togetherness with the manager and fans.

“The fans were a bit disappointed about everything at the club but I think everyone understands now we have to stick together. The fans, the players and staff all have to do that and you can see that on the pitch now.”

The 29-year-old has no uncertainty in his mind about Orient’s chances of staying up and believes a continuation of their current form will ensure their League One status.

Vincelot said: “I have got absolutely no doubt about the fact we’re going to stay up. As I’ve said the last five performances just show that we are strong and we can beat anyone away or at home. I’m very confident and just can’t wait for the next game.”

The O’s hopes of stringing three wins in a row together, for the first time this season, ended after a 3-1 home defeat to Bristol City on Tuesday night. But the mood in the squad remains upbeat despite their midweek reversal.

“I would say the last five games were very good and we’re in a very positive mood,” Vincelot said. “We have had three wins out of five and we’ve been consistent in terms of performance and positive spirit. This is what matters because if we keep that, we’re going to keep getting three wins out of five and that will make us safe.”

Vincelot has taken on the captaincy for the last three matches, with skipper Nathan Clarke left on the bench, but he insists nothing has changed in terms of his role on the pitch.

He said: “It doesn’t change anything. I just do as I was doing before. If he gave me the armband it was because he felt I could do it. I just have to carry on as I was. It doesn’t change anything because somebody has to wear it. If it changed that would mean before I wasn’t feeling responsible. It doesn’t make me feel more responsible by having something on my arm.”

Orient’s next match is a trip to Peterborough United on Saturday and the O’s have already won at London Road this season in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy back in September.

Vincelot said: “We know them quite well and we are quite good away. We are in a situation where we don’t really care about who we play against.

“We respect everyone but just take care of ourselves because we know if we play at the top of our game then we don’t have to fear anyone,” the midfielder added.