Fulham captain Danny Murphy has insisted that competitive pre-season games are beneficial.

The Cottagers' pre-season has consisted of a string of Europa League qualification matches, as opposed to traditional friendlies, with Croatian side RNK Split hosting them tonight. However, the 34-year-old claims that the added competition can benefit his side.

"The difference is that now you're playing for something and you also get to work hard on your attacking play, creating chances and making chances," he told club's official website.

"We'll treat them with every respect – watch the videos, have a team-talk and get on with it really.

"The fact that we came back early and have been active for a while, at least two weeks longer than most other teams, has got to be of benefit."

Fulham reached the final of the Europa League two years ago, but lost out in extra time to Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid.