Fulham defender Brede Hangeland is excited about the challenge of overcoming Europa League opponents Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Norwegian knows he will have to be at his rock-solid best if Fulham are to make the last 16 for the first time in their history.

"We are in the lead but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are," said Hangeland.

"We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.

"I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League. We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can.

"It would be great to get through, but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after."