Duff serious about Europa League

Fulham winger Damien Duff insists the club are deadly serious about their Europa League campaign this season.

Tottenham and Aston Villa ended up playing youngsters and reserves in the competition last term as fixtures piled up – but Duff expects Roy Hodgson’s squad to be big enough to cope.

They start the group stage of Europe’s second-tier cup on Thursday against CSKA Sofia and travel to Bulgaria full of confidence after Duff’s late winner against Everton at the weekend.

Duff said: “We’re not planning on letting Europe become a major negative factor. Obviously the travelling can be hard at times but the group we’ve been drawn in gives us some nice games, which will give the whole place a lift.

“Hopefully we can carry that into our league programme. I think it’s exciting and when you’re excited you’re not thinking about burning out.”

Fulham also have Roma and Basel in their group and after qualifiers they will have played 10 games before reaching the knock-out stages.

Hodgson may rotate his squad but Duff believes he will be ready for the CSKA clash at Vasil Levski National Stadium, despite taking a slight knock to one of his knees.

“I was a bit nervous when it jarred but I don’t think it’s a major problem,” said Duff.

Full-back John Pantsil is also raring to go after the Everton win, Fulham’s second Barclays Premier League victory of the season.

“We need to pick up points at home in this difficult league, gaining three points at home has to be a must,” he said.

“Now we can’t wait for our Europa League campaign, because we want to show that we can compete at that level.”

Meanwhile, Fredrik Stoor is looking for a loan move away from Craven Cottage, according to his agent.

Per Jonsson told Fotbollskanalen.se: “Our thoughts of finding a permanent solution aren’t the number one priority. We are looking at clubs in the Championship.”