Anthony McNamee and Michael Boateng have the “hunger” to feed City’s promotion bid, according to club favourite Jamie Lawrence.

The Valley Parade cult hero recommended both to Phil Parkinson after working with them at his London academy.

Lawrence, who was in Wexford on Tuesday, is not surprised that the duo have impressed in the opening friendlies and urged City to take a chance on them.

He said: “You always have to be hungry as a footballer and they both are.

“They’ve never had anything in their life so you have to want to go out and earn it. It was the same with me. McNamee wouldn’t come to me at 5am to train if he didn’t have that hunger. You can’t buy that.”

Now 27, winger McNamee has spent most of his career in the Championship. Lawrence believes he can settle down again with City.

“He’s ready to go again. He has undoubted ability and I’d take a chance on him all day long.

“Anthony and Kyel Reid would be such a threat both of them together because of their pace.

“Michael, too, would be a great addition and I’d love to see it happen.

“It’s the biggest buzz ever when you see lads like that doing well and I push my chest out.

“But I always tell them before they go to Bradford, it’s a big shirt to fill. Just don’t get the number seven!”

Lawrence is a big fan of Parkinson and reckons he will offer City their best chance of reversing a decade of downturn this season.

He said: “I love Phil because he’s a straight-up guy and City have got a good man at the helm. The club are in safe hands.”

Right back Boateng was one of only two outfield players to get the full game at Wexford.

McNamee set up James Hanson ’s header for the first goal and Parkinson was impressed.

The City chief said: “Anthony showed flashes of what he’s all about and delivered some quality crosses into the box.

“We know that’s what he can do. I thought he worked hard and showed a good bit of skill.

“It was good to see all the trialists again. It was tough for them, especially Scotty Donnelly because I left him on a bit longer but he’s a good passer of the ball.

“Carl McHugh’s a good all-round defender, who can play left back or centre half.

“He’s only a youngster but he’s tough and we’ll have a look at him.”