Wednesday 20 August 2014 09:03, UK
Hull City’s summer signing Tom Ince is relishing the opportunity to play in the Europa League this season.
Ince plumped for a move to the KC Stadium when his contract at Blackpool expired and appeared as a substitute in both legs of Hull’s victory over Trencin in the previous Europa League qualifying round.
Last season’s FA Cup runners-up now face Lokeren for a place in the group phase and Ince is hoping that Hull can overcome the Belgian side.
"We have great depth in this team now because we know we are going to be fighting on a lot of fronts," Ince said.
"To be in that tournament with this club is massive, it's the first time in their history.
It's massive to mix it with the big boys and against the big teams. To play in Europe, Champions League or Europa League, is a fantastic opportunity.
"We play a strong Belgian side on Thursday but we have strength in depth and ability in all areas. It's massive to mix it with the big boys and against the big teams.
"To play in Europe, Champions League or Europa League, is a fantastic opportunity."
Hull boss Steve Bruce is expecting a tough test in Belgium on Thursday after his team started the new Premier League season with a 1-0 win at Queens Park Rangers last Saturday.
“It will be a different game,” Bruce told the club’s official website.
“Lokeren are a very, very good side from what I’ve seen of them and as we know, Belgium is producing some very good players.
“It will be a difficult game for us. As I’ve said, I’ll be changing my team around and giving the players who got us into Europe the chance to play in Europe.
“I think working it that way is what gives us the spirit that we’re playing with. They’re all going to get their chance.”
