There was no place in Fulham’s starting line-up for Ragnar Sigurdsson on Saturday against Wigan – and his boss is unapologetic.

Slavisa Jokanovic swerved the question as to why the man who helped eliminate England from Euros 2016 has failed to cut it as a starting regular in a Championship team since the beginning of January.

But the Icelander can only hope he catches the eye and justify the near £4 million Fulham paid Russian outfit Krasnodar for his services in August.

Joka joked the central defender has so far been absent only because he cannot add to the regulation XI.

“If I can start with 14, it would be a fabulous tactic,” he said.

“But I cannot compare Russia with the Championship, I don’t know Russia.

I am working with him (Sigurdsson), and when I consider he starts – then he will, that’s it.

It’s similar to that with (January loan signings) (Thanos) Petsos or (Gohi) Cyriac. Everybody has to be ready for their turn.”

Maybe that’s tomorrow at home to Nottingham Forest after Whites were at fault at the back to concede two Wigan goals on Saturday, despite coming back to win 3-2.

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