Stephen Kelly feels Fulham will benefit from their early start to the season

Stephen Kelly (Getty Images)

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Fulham defender Stephen Kelly is happy with the club’s early start in the Europa League, and believes it will benefit them later in the season.

The Cottagers began the season with a 3-0 aggregate win over Faroe Islands side NSI Runavik, earning a place in the next round against Norther Irish side Crusaders.

Kelly told the club’s official website:  “It’s started early for us again but it’s got that feeling of another European tour already.

“It would be great if we could continue progressing and it’s great to go away to different countries.

“I’d never been to the Faroe Islands before and it’s a landscape we would never see unless we were involved in the Uefa Europa League.

“We should benefit from the fact we’re playing competitive games rather than friendly matches.

“We had good chances and plenty of possession but they defended in numbers and made it difficult.

“We got a clean sheet and it was a good performance at the back and we’re through to the next round.

“It’s been a good test for us and as much as it was a competitive match, it was only our second game of the season on Thursday night.

“Now we’ll be sharper and hopefully that will show against the Crusaders next week.”

The match saw academy player Kerim Frei making his first appearance for the club, replacing forward Andy Johnson at 71 minutes.

“I feel proud,” Frei said.

“I’ve now played in the Europa League and it’s always been a dream of mine to play in a European competition.

“It’s a great education for me. I joined Fulham 18 months ago and I’ve taken it step by step. Now I want to improve as a player in every training session that I’m involved in with the first team.”