David Meyler has insisted that Hull City can handle the potential challenge of playing in the Europa League three nights before their Premier League matches.

Hull take on FK AS Trencin in the first leg of their third qualifying-round tie on Thursday, and Meyler is certain that the competition presents a great opportunity for the club if Steve Bruce's side reach the group stage.

"We can't wait to get going. Some people regard the Europa League as a pain, but we don't see it as a complication at all, and I'm sure it won't affect our Premier League form," the 25-year-old told reporters.

"I know the Thursday and Sunday playing schedules, but I believe that we can handle it and that we won't suffer.

"The way we look at it, this competition is a great opportunity to play against new teams. I know the Premier League is our bread and butter, but I feel as though we can use the Europa League to our advantage."

Thursday's game in Slovakia will be Hull's first ever appearance in a European competition.