It’s really no contest when it comes to choosing between success in Europe or the Premier League!

And so the Euro debate rages on: should Slav throw his first teamers into the action on Thursday evening in Romania, or save them for the Arsenal game on Sunday?

As far as I’m concerned it’s a no brainer – and as soon as we are free of the Europa League the better for all concerned.

We’ve had three European nights at the old lady; suffered a major injury; blooded some youngsters in competitive football; and shown that even old campaigners like James Collins can get themselves sent off (probably unfairly and in silly circumstances). In other words – it’s been a real mixed bag!

Meanwhile, our new manager is attempting to get everybody fit and develop a system of play where the Premier League is unquestionably his priority and that of everybody else.

To see it differently is, for me, entirely unrealistic and, on a scale of one to 10 in terms of importance, the Arsenal match gets an 11.

It’s been demonstrated on enough occasions that participating in this competition damages the Premier League chances of teams like West Ham. And if you don’t believe me, just go and ask the fans of Everton, Spurs, Stoke and Swansea. The form of these clubs noticeably dipped when they were confronted with two big games every week. They simply didn’t have the manpower to compete effectively on two fronts.

I believe we have a really good squad this season. But I really don’t think it’s strong enough to cope with the demands of a prolonged European campaign, which in the end will only bite us on the bum.

I always want West Ham to win. But if we do fail on Thursday night I  can’t help but believe t will be a blessing in disguise.