Everton manager Roberto Martinez has stated that his side would embrace the Europa League if they are to qualify.

The Toffees are currently in line to receive one of UEFA's three bonus Europa League places for next season based on fair play and respect.

Playing in Europe's second tier club competition has been seen as a poisoned chalice by many - as Everton can testify for this season's domestic woes - but Martinez says his side would grasp the opportunity to play in Europe once again.

He said: "I don't want to speak about this now because it sounds like we've already got it. But to answer it very clearly, if we get awarded a place we will embrace it and we will enjoy it as a football club.

"The international players are involved with their countries until June 17 so obviously they wouldn't be involved for the earlier rounds. But this is a competition we would accept as a football club.

"We have a lot of young, talented players who have already played in Europe and they will be desperate for that sort of experience.

"As a football club we would embrace that and I think the first four games would be taken in that manner. I wouldn't allow that fair play position to get in the middle of our pre-season preparation. But we would embrace it as a football club. Absolutely."