STUART McCall feels City are entering the final straight of the promotion race in the right spirit.

McCall and his players enjoyed a couple of days off this week to recharge mentally and physically for the remaining ten games to come.

He senses that same quiet confidence within the group as they prepare to start the run-in at basement club Coventry tomorrow.

McCall said: "I've had a couple of days off to reflect on the season and look back on certain things.

"Sometimes you come in and the players get you going. In life in general, you get people who don't get too high or low. Then you get those who energise you and the players do that for me

"Then on the opposite side you might have the drainers, those who bring you down. But the players are energised and focused. There's no negativity.

"Results always help your mood and optimism but the lads haven't changed since we came in with the way they go about their jobs and how they are to each other."

McCall insists the change of boss at Coventry will not alter his approach – but he is expecting an extra zip about the out-of-form hosts.

He knows from personal experience how hungry Mark Robins will be as he returns to management after a 14-month absence.

McCall said: "When you've been out of the job for a while, you come back so enthusiastic. You can't wait to be training again and get back on that pitch.

"That will energise his players and his squad. Those out of the team will have had a fresh sheet of paper from Monday, so I'd imagine your training will have upped a level.

"He's said how many wins they need and how they'll be going for it.

"We won't know how they set up but we've just got to be ready to be flexible. We'll focus on ourselves and take it from there.

"I watched last Saturday's game back and I was pretty nonplussed about it. But the bottom line is we won and got the job done.

"It was one for gritting your teeth, getting your noses in front and keeping a clean sheet. That's what it is like from now on."

City are still without Nicky Law but Stephen Darby returns to the squad.