West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce says the club’s players and owners are keen to secure a Europa League place but acknowledges there are drawbacks.

The Hammers host Everton on Saturday with both sides in contention for a place in the first qualifying round of next season’s Europa League after England were allotted an extra place for fair play.

Allardyce’s Hammers currently top England’s fair play league and if they maintain that positon, they will enter the Europa League first qualifying round when it takes place on June 22.

That will mean an early return to pre-season training for the players but ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Upton Park, Allardyce confirmed the club’s interest in taking part.

Asked if the players were keen, he replied: "Once they get over the fact that it means coming back a bit earlier I’m sure they’ll relish it.

“It’s a new competition for most of our players and it gives our players who haven’t played as much as they would’ve liked an opportunity to play.

"It also gives a new opportunity for our younger players coming through. It would be a very long season, starting on July 2 and we’ll finish two weeks later than normal. It’ll be an extremely difficult challenge but one we’ll be happy to take on."

And Allardyce confirmed the club’s owners, Davids Gold and Sullivan, had given a European adventure their full backing too.

"Yes, very much so. We have to be realistic and take the opportunity when it comes. While it may be seen as an easy way to get in, Europe is Europe and it’ll be a fantastic experience should be qualify,” he said.

Roberto Martinez’s Toffees exited this year’s tournament in the Round of 16 and Allardyce, who has previously managed Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United in Europe, is all too aware of the pitfalls.

He explained: "The backlash is that you get criticized if your league form dips. But it’s well proven how hard it is to compete in Europe and maintain your league position. It is particularly difficult for the smaller clubs who aren’t used to playing twice a week.

"The routine of Thursday and Sunday is very difficult to sustain. I had it at Bolton and we managed to finish eighth which was a great achievement. It can be managed but it is extremely difficult.

"If we are to compete in Europe we’ll have to avoid injuries as best as possible."

The Hammers could have New Zealand international Winston Reid back following a hamstring injury. He will undergo a late fitness test ahead of kick-off.

However, Guy Demel (calf), Diafra Sakho (thigh), James Tomkins (shoulder) and Andy Carroll (MCL) are all sidelined.

Steven Pienaar also faces a fitness test for the visitors, whilst Leighton Baines (ankle), Bryan Oviedo (metatarsal), Daron Gibson (metatarsal) and Tony Hibbert (knee) all miss out.