Worthington delivered his message ahead the Euro 2012 qualifier against World Cup finalists Slovenia tonight.

He was irritated at both Kyle Lafferty and Martin Paterson for picking up yellow cards in the defeat by Montenegro in a friendly last month.

Lafferty was later sent off for Rangers and has never been far from controversy during his time in Scotland. Worthington called the squad together for a pep talk and then explained: "It was straightforward, black and white.

"Behave yourself on the pitch and off the pitch and I am very happy. If you don't, I will take action, simple as that.

"Maybe they dropped their guard a little bit (in Montenegro), relaxed a little bit and thought, 'Well, I'll have a moan rather than getting on with the game'. That's not how we work."

Worthington believes the players will heed his instructions.

He said: "They have been terrific, they are a great group to work with and I will stand with them through thick and thin.

"I've had the pleasure of playing for and managing the country, that gives you great pride. When I turn up I'm like a baby with a new toy and sometimes too enthusiastic for the players.

"They are doing it every day whereas I am in three or four days every four or five weeks, so I want to get as much coaching in as possible.

"You've got to have the enthusiasm, the drive. I'm the leader of the team, I've got to set the mantle for them."

Meanwhile Gareth McAuley says he is feeling the benefits of Roy Keane's strict fitness regime at Ipswich as he prepares to resume international duty.

The defender believes it is no coincidence the team is in good shape and third in the Championship after taking 10 points from four games.

Former Sunderland manager Keane appears to be turning things around after enduring a difficult start at Portman Road

McAuley, 30, said: "Everything at the club has just settled down.

Everyone is now used to the coaching and used to the levels of fitness that are expected. We are a very fit side. The pre-season was top-notch.

"You play 90 minutes and you feel like you could go again straight after it. We have got scientific staff, who do all the testing and it is very, very professional.

"I feel fit and strong and confident. I've had a good start personally as well as the team. It is going well at the minute."