THURSDAY POLL: Tigers will be fully focused on European adventure

The Tigers, making their bow in UEFA’s secondary club competition this season, will host FK AS Trencin at a sell-out KC Stadium looking to book a place in the play-off qualifying round.

A place in the group stage is the first target as City look to follow in the footsteps of clubs such as Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Stoke City and Aston Villa.

What those Premier League clubs have not always done, however, is take the competition too seriously with many managers having fielded below strength sides while bemoaning the demanding schedule that sees ties played on a Thursday night.

Staying in the Premier League is an overwhelming priority but, equally, Bruce does not intend disrespecting the Europa League. “We are quite incredible (in how we dismiss the competition). We understand what the Premier League is but all around Europe there is no cynicism at all about the Europa League.

“Competing is a big reward and it is a big achievement if your club is playing in Europe. I think we (in English football) have got to take away that cynicism.

“I understand how difficult it is going to be, there is no question about that. But you have got to try and enjoy it.

“It is a bit like the FA Cup last year with people saying, ‘What you going to do in the Cup?’ We had no chance of winning the Premier League but we had a chance of winning the FA Cup because we are a Premier team.

“The same goes for the Europa League. We are seeded so we have got a chance to get through to the group stage and if we can do that then fantastic. Enjoy it and let me worry about the other stuff that goes with playing in Europe.”

First, City must see off a Trencin side who battled gamely to claim a goalless draw in last Thursday’s first leg in Zilina.

Without the cushion of an away goal, Hull know that one slip could prove very costly and Bruce is adamant that the hard-fought right to play in Europe must not be tossed away.

Putting Hull on map: Page 22.