"From our own point of view we are a bit concerned about any of the home sides getting in the playoffs because it might affect probably the Stoke game with us," he explains.
"Naturally, unless you get three people involved you have to play it and it means we might miss, say, Jamo for our game, and that would be a concern."
Another worry is injuries, and he adds:
"We have got Norwich on the Wednesday and then Burnley, Forest, Cardiff away, the cup game, Coventry - there is a flurry of games and you don't want unnecessary injuries.
"We had Jermain in the U21s, Jamo, Hutch could get on, Christian, Conners...there are one or two you would like to remain unscathed though naturally we are without Jermain and David for the Norwich game."
As for the build up to the England game, he adds:
"Rio has been a focal part of it all and it is unfortunate how it has all turned out.
"Now, hopefully, everyone is concentrating on the football though I see Jamo was on the players' committee that was discussing it.
"It is a difficult issue which has overshadowed the game itself but more than anything Jamo has got a big part to play because if England are to get the draw that they need at the very least the chances are David is going to have to play exceptionally well.
"I think it is one of those areas that will no doubt resurface after the game itself but the priority now is to get the draw at the very least - so they get the automatic qualification and don't get involved in playoffs."