Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has denied the Europa League is a distraction as they prepare for Thursday's clash with Basel. The Cottagers named a weakened side for their Group E opener against CSKA Sofia and injuries mean a similar scenario is likely again.

"You shouldn't regard the Europa League as a distraction," he said.

"If you don't want distractions then you should refuse the offer to qualify for Europe even if you qualified to do so.

"There was never any question of us doing that. We tried to finish as high as we could in the Premier League last season and ended up getting a European place.

"We certainly don't see Europe as a distraction, we regard it as an interesting adventure.

"It's a test for the squad but we're strong enough to select a team to win tomorrow and on Sunday in the Premier League."