Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell hopeful of European chance

Steve Sidwell,Fulham vs Arsenal

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Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell is looking forward to the thought of European football next season as the club waits for the decision on whether they have qualified through the Fair Play League.

Sidwell signed from Aston Villa in January and played a large role in the club’s good second half of the season.

He has experienced European football previously with Aston Villa and Chelsea and the Englishman is keen to get another chance.

He told reporters: “It tests yourself, playing in Europe at any stage of your career is a highlight.

“I have been fortunate enough to taste Champions League football when I was at Chelsea. It was a great experience.

“I also played the Europa League at Villa, it’s a good competition and with the achievements that Fulham made here last season, I am sure we will want to go far in it again.”

Although Fulham would get to play in Europe they would enter the competition at the first qualifying stage and as such their season would start much earlier than everyone else. Sidwell is aware that burn out could be an issue later in the season.

He added: “Coming back early doesn’t help because the demands of a Premier League game itself are very tough, let alone a Premier League season.

“There is no hiding the fact that the Premier League is the hardest league in the world – to go into that you need a fit squad, you need a big squad. Then to add the Europa League, it does take a toll on the squad itself.

“There is the chance of burning out towards the end of the season, but whatever the outcome is we are professional enough to take it in our stride and give our best in every game.”