STUART McCall admits he cannot teach the hunger that players need to make a success in the game.

The City boss is determined to lift spirits for Saturday’s home clash with Leyton Orient to keep the season alive.

But he knows the drive and determination must come from the players themselves if the team are going to revive their fortunes over the final nine games.

McCall said: “It’s your hunger that defines you as a player.

“Naturally, you need to have the ability, but for players to carry on their career as long as they can at a good level is down to your absolute hunger.

“As coaches, we try to improve our players with any knowledge we can impart and any help we can give them.

“But at the end of it, for me, it’s always been down to the desire to want to do that and the real hunger comes from within. You can’t teach that to people.”

City’s commitment has been questioned by angry fans after a fifth away defeat on the bounce against Salford saw them drop four points off the play-offs.

With a significant number of contracts up at the end of the season, McCall has warned the squad that futures are on the line in their bid to bridge that gap.

“People will make a good career at our level,” he added. “Maybe their ability isn’t good enough to go much higher but it’s the hunger and desire to keep going.

“A lot of players have played first and second division football all their lives but made a career out of it because of their sheer mentality.

“That’s probably what got me through my career.

“You can try to improve your ability, try to work on your technique and hopefully make yourself fitter and stronger. You can work on that.

“But that desire to succeed is what you’re born with.

“On any given Saturday or Tuesday, if you’re up against somebody who’s maybe got a bit more ability, you can still succeed with your willingness and enthusiasm.

“That is something we can try to get into people.”

McCall is expected to oversee another summer overhaul at Valley Parade, as he looks to stamp his own mark in his third spell at the Valley Parade helm.

But he insists this season remains alive and expects to see a response following City’s worst performance in his six games in charge.

“There are hungry people out there. I’ve seen a few non-league games and players there who aren’t full-time and want to get involved in football.

“The rewards are rich, not necessarily financially at this level, but to be fortunate to earn a living at something you want to do.

“They were talking about it on TV the other day, (Roy) Keane, (Gary) Neville and (Jamie) Redknapp and they were bang right about it. It’s about being hungry and wanting to do all you can to be the best you can.”