Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton has indicated that he is unsure about participating in the Europa League this season.
As the Blues prepare for tomorrow night's opening group stage match against Sporting Braga at St Andrew's, Hughton feels that perhaps the competition is an obstruction to league duties but insists that the players are excited about being involved.
"Can it be a hindrance? Yes, it can be," said Hughton of Europe's second tier club tournament.
"But if you looked at the atmosphere and what the players gave in the home (qualifying) game with Nacional to get us to this stage, I don't think you would have seen it as a hindrance then.
"It's a competition that opens doors for the players, takes them to a different stage, and of course of what it does for the club.
"Could we do without the extra games? Yes, arguably we could do, but we're here, and once you're in these games they are exciting to play in."
