Kevin Nolan has revealed that he is relishing West Ham United's Europa League qualifier against Birkirkara.

The Maltese side will travel to Upton Park this evening for the first leg of the second-round clash.

West Ham are the overwhelming favourites heading into the match, but Nolan is expecting tough opposition from the visitors.

"I'm thoroughly looking forward to playing against what is going to be a very good Maltese side who have done very well in the first qualifying round to get through," he told the club's official website.

"They aren't going to be pushovers and we're going to be playing in front of a big crowd, so fair play to the fans for turning out in their numbers again. We thank them for that and hopefully we can give them a good spectacle.

"These games are coming around thick and fast. Pre-season has been very different to how it was in previous seasons – last year we were in New Zealand and everywhere, but this year it is about being at home and trying to qualify for the Europa League."

Nolan scored one goal in 33 appearances for West Ham last season.