Over Iceland’s decision to call for Gunnarsson despite

victories to reach Russia.

Iceland are level on points with Croatia at the top of Group I, but with Turkey and Ukraine only two points behind they face a crunch fortnight, and Watnock said: “Gunnars will travel to Iceland because they want their own medical people to see him, which we’re not really happy about.

“He has a tear between his hip and thigh which you can see on the scan we have. It’s getting better but to play two top games like that when he’s not fit to play for us on Saturday, well I don’t think he should be travelling.

“It’s such an important game for them these two, they’re really crucial, but if they play him and he (tears it again) we’ll be very, very annoyed.

“So we’ll make sure we send all the medical evidence over, and if they play him we want a written agreement that if they see the scans it’s got to be their responsibility to pay his wages (if he is injured). I don’t see why we should if they gamble on him.”

Gunnarsson was due for further scans on Friday, with Warnock adding he has told the energetic midfielder his thoughts.

Warnock, who is hopeful Joe Ralls can recover from injury to face Derby with Craig Bryson unable to play against his parent club, said: “We have no choice in this. They want to see him. I’m sure they’ll try him to get to play on one leg, because that’s how he is, but I’d be very, very disappointed.

“I’ve let Gunnars know about how I feel about the situation.

“He’s their captain isn’t he, but if he rips it completely and his contract’s up it’s not going to be very good for himself is it.

“He’ll play on one leg, it’s his country, they are important games, so I understand where the manager is coming from – but the scans don’t