The Minstermen boss has been highly critical of his under-performing squad since replacing the sacked Gary Mills earlier this month.
The team have taken only one point from Worthington's three games in charge and, after slipping into the bottom two, will chase their first win in 15 league games at relegation rivals Torquay on Saturday.
"The players trained Monday and Tuesday and looked very good, bright and lively," Worthington said. "I just hope and pray they can go and deliver on matchday.
"If they can reproduce what I see on the training field, there is no doubt we can start picking up wins.
"But there is a nervousness about them in matches, an edginess.
"During training I see a group of good players, but they adopt a nervous approach on a Saturday.
"This can change very quickly, it's amazing how quickly confidence can return.
"It will be the teams down at the bottom who are bold and brave who will get themselves out of trouble."
