West Brom boss wants Euro distraction

Steve Clarke says he would jump at the chance of taking Albion into Europe – even if it endangered the club’s Premier League safety.

The Baggies face Newcastle, who are still in the relegation scrap, this weekend, with Clarke still keen to emulate them by testing himself and his players with the added demands next season.

Newcastle played 14 matches in the competition before going out to Benfica in the quarter-finals, but Clarke remains envious of Alan Pardew’s men.

“It can be tough in Europe, but I don’t think anything should get in the way of your ambition,” he told ESPN. “If you have a chance to qualify for the Europa League then that’s what you should do, and you should take your chances like Newcastle did.

“They qualified for the quarter-finals, which was a great achievement. I’ve got some friends at Newcastle, and I know they really enjoyed their Europa League adventure.

“They enjoyed the trips, the games and the challenges against players from different countries. Being wrapped into the whole European package is great.

“If you have the chance to do it as a coach, a player, a manager or a supporter, you have to try to do it and embrace it.”

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