Nikola Vlasic 'excited' by Europa League opportunity with Everton

Teenager Nikola Vlasic is looking forward to featuring for Everton in the Europa League, having recently tried to knock them out of the same competition while playing for Hajduk Split.

Just three weeks ago, the winger was part of the Croatian side that was beaten over two legs by the Toffees in the final play-off round ahead of the group stage which starts on Thursday.

Vlasic played in both home and away legs, and impressed Everton boss Ronald Koeman who swooped to buy the 19-year-old on the final day of the transfer window.

The Merseysiders open their European campaign against Atalanta in Italy on Thursday and Vlasic said: "I'm really looking forward to it.

"I've never played in the group stage of the Europa League before, so it's exciting. It is something new and a good challenge.

"We need to forget about Saturday's loss to Tottenham and look ahead, prepare ourselves and I hope we can get a good result."

Vlasic, who made his Everton debut as an 80th-minute substitute last Saturday, is hoping he will be a fast learner.

He added: "All the guys have been very good to me, they are all helping me a lot.

"I watched these players before on television and now I'm out on the pitch with them. I can only learn from them because they are very big players.

"It is very fast football here. The game moves faster and I need some time to adapt but I'm not afraid."