Pompey boss Paul Cook has issued a warning to his squad, saying they must keep showing they have the appetite to succeed if they want to stay in the team.

Speaking ahead of the visit to Leyton Orient on Boxing Day, Cook indicated that he felt the team was improving but could still improve further as the season went on.

He told The News: ‘You might have expected a slower start perhaps. We’ve had some bumps and bruises along the way and a couple of late goals have hurt us but that’s football. Come the end of the season, that’s where you deserve to finish.

‘Our job is to make us a better team. You don’t just turn up and wave a magic wand. It’s about combinations of players and getting the right players playing together. That can take a bit of time to work those things out.

‘I feel we have the ability to be a better team — that’s not just down to particular players but among the whole group.

‘Our club must succeed. If people don’t succeed, you will lose them along the way. The players must have an appetite to succeed. If you haven’t got it, I can’t see you hanging around here long.'

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