Damien Duff has rejected fears Fulham will suffer for their Europa League exploits and reckons a successful run in the competition will see them shoot up the Premier League table.
The Irishman, a £4m summer signing from Newcastle, scored his first goal for the club on Sunday, smashing home a late winner in Fulham's 2-1 victory over Everton.
But Roy Hodgson's side must now forget about domestic matters as they travel to Bulgaria for Thursday's Europa League Group Stage opener against CSKA Sofia.
There are worries that Hodgson's squad will be pushed to breaking point if they progress in Europe as they would play an extra 19 games this season if they reach the Final.
But the former Chelsea man is adamant Fulham will benefit if they can get through a Group that also includes Roma and Basle.
"The travelling can be hard and going to Russia was ridiculous"
"They are nice games to be involved in and can give everyone a lift, which will hopefully transfer over into our League form," said Duff.
"The travelling can be hard and going to Russia (to face Amkar Perm) was ridiculous, but we're not planning on it making a major difference.
"I think we'll be OK, we've got a massive squad. There are a lot of people fighting for places and the gaffer will keep everyone hungry and chomping at the bit, and he will switch it around when he needs to."
And Duff was delighted to have got off the mark for his new team in spectacular style, having cut inside and drilled home from 20 yards as Fulham picked up their second win of the season.
"It's important to get off the mark sooner rather than later, and being at home in such a big game it's obviously nice.
"When you're playing in Europe it's always important to get points on the board, so it was a massive game to win."