Jake Livermore: 'Europa League exit would be absolute disaster'

Jake Livermore has admitted that it would be an "absolute disaster" if Hull City were to miss out on playing in the group stage of the Europa League.

Hull face a battle to reach the next round as they prepare to meet Lokeren on Thursday looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, and Livermore believes that success at the KC Stadium would just be another chapter on a remarkable journey for the club.

"To get to the group stages would be fantastic and it would be an absolute disaster to be frank with you, if we missed out," Livermore told reporters. "I don't think any club in the country has progressed more over the last two years than Hull, I can't think of anyone.

"Where we have come from, to where we are now, it's been fantastic and staying in Europe would help that momentum.

"This is a massive deal because it's the first time the club has been involved in something like this, and it's a great experience to be part of."

Hull qualified for the Europa League after reaching the final of the FA Cup last season.