Matthew Upson admits he's asked West Ham United management if they're serious about competing in the Europa League next season.

The England defender said: "I've just asked our coach Steve Clarke, 'Is this club prepared if we do finish in seventh spot?'

"I have read a few articles about teams putting out second-string sides to play UEFA Cup ties and getting criticised for it.

"There's an irony about qualifying for the UEFA Cup. You need to assess things as the season goes along - different competitions assume different importance.

"If you get into the latter stages of the UEFA Cup, you might commit more players to that cause than the league.

"Spurs were fighting relegation at one stage and Villa were trying to get into the top four, so the UEFA Cup became secondary.

"Without a doubt, a mid-table English team would have a good chance of winning the UEFA Cup."