Dark Blues should have no fears over what lies ahead: McCann

“When results are not falling, then confidence dips and you maybe play with a little bit of fear,” said McCann.

“I spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday calling them all, speaking to them and letting them know that I was looking forward to working with them, first and foremost on Thursday.

“So when they came in, I just wanted to erase all the fears they had and what had gone before had gone – it was in the past.

“Maybe that sounds a bit clichéd but it really is as this is a new start for them.

“We are in a position where pressure comes into it but I don’t want the boys to have any fear about what lies ahead.

“I said to them it is just all about what you do from now on in. I told them about the demands I would be placing on them and what I expect of them.

“Nothing less will be tolerated and to be honest, the reaction I got on Thursday and Friday was exactly what I thought I would get.”

He added: “The quality of what I saw was better than what I thought I would see.

“So I went away home over the weekend absolutely delighted at what I’ve got to work with and now it is up to me to extract that confidence from the depths where it is maybe hiding just now.

“If the last three sessions I have given them are anything to go by, I think they are finding it.

“They have a smile on their faces and enjoyed the last few days.

“The hard work started last week and it will be continuing this week.”