Wolves’ hotshot Chris Iwelumo has expresed his heartache at missing out on almost a month of action – and a possible Scotland call-up.

The FA’s decision to uphold Iwelumo’s sending off against Preston means the 30-year-old is banned for three matches and is not available for Wolves until the October 18 visit of Coventry.

He misses the games against Bristol City, Reading and Swansea as well as a possible Scotland squad call, after starting the season with eight goals.

He said: “I’ve got to say I’m gutted. I’m not going to play or be involved until October 18 and that’s a hard one to take. The boys are flying at the moment and I just want to be part of that.

“That’s been taken away from me, but I’ve just got to take it on the chin. I will make sure I keep myself in the shape and the form that I’ve been in, staying mentally strong as well. But I’m disappointed.

“There’s been a bit of banter flying about, but there’s a good bunch here. That’s what you need to pick you up and make you feel a little bit better.

“It’s still a difficult one to take. The three games are close to each other but then we’ve got the international break after that.

“I think that’s what’s killed me a little bit more, because I thought maybe there was a chance I could break into the Scotland team. This has probably put a dampener on that.

“By not playing the next three games I doubt I’d have a chance of that now. At least I can rest my legs up which is the only positive, but that’s not where I want to be at the minute!”

Iwelumo believes the mental side of not playing when fit is the most difficult part to take.

He said: “It’s probably one of the hardest things to do. I feel alright to train but just can’t play.”