Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has labelled the Europa League a ‘killer’ as the North London side ready themselves for their first opponents of the competition.

A fifth place finish for Spurs saw them miss out on the gruelling qualifying rounds that Fulham and Stoke City recently competed in but travelling to the far reach of Europe on a Thursday before returning to action at the weekend isn’t an ideal scenario for the top four hopefuls.

Redknapp has vowed to utilise his fringe and youth players in the competitions as he looks to prioritise the Premiership ahead of the new campaign.

“The young lads will get plenty of games in the Europa League because, otherwise, I think it’s a killer, to be frank,” explained Redknapp.

“Thursday and Sunday every week, you’ve got no chance in the Premier with that. It kills you off, it’s a nightmare.

“You have to go to crazy places, but we’ll give it our best shot and just give it a go.”

Spurs will find out who they face today in the Europa League play-off with either Trabzonspor, Karpaty Lviv, Hearts, Legia Warsaw or FK Ekranas the five sides the North London outfit could face later this month.