Steve Bruce aims for Europa League group stage

Steve Bruce has revealed that Hull City's goal in the Europa League is to reach the group stage of the competition.

The Tigers booked their place in the tournament after reaching the FA Cup final, as winners Arsenal were already assured of a place in the Champions League.

The manager told the Hull Daily Mail: "Our goal is to get into the group stage, where we could face some of the big names in European football. That is the carrot for us, in terms of why we need to make sure we get through both qualifying rounds if at all possible. That is what I will tell the players.

"This tie is a step into the unknown in a lot of ways, we will just have to wait and see. That, to me, is the beauty of Europe anyway. It isn't all about Spain, Italy or Germany. The smaller nations can be just as tough to face.

"I am expecting a typical European game and we will have to be ready for the challenge."

Hull face Slovakian side AS Trencin in their third-round qualifier tomorrow evening.