JOSE Fonte admitted that he is excited for Saints to test themselves against the “very best” in the Europa League next season.

The central defender is delighted that Saints avoided the qualifying stages and can’t wait for the challenge that lies ahead in the groups.

"Going directly into the group stages automatically gives us the opportunity to play six games in the Europa League,” the Portuguese international said.

"Hopefully with a good draw we can play against some very good teams and test ourselves against the very best.

"It’s important for the club, it’s important for the players, it’s another step forward for us and we’re all very pleased with that."

The captain believes it demonstrates real progression for the club after Ronald Koeman led them to another record-breaking Premier League campaign last season.

But he revealed that there is room for more growth.

"It's a good step forward," he said. "Being in the group stages will give us the possibility of advancing in the competition.

"We’re pleased with it because it’s a good achievement, but there are a lot of big achievements we can still try to reach."

Having dropped out of last season's Europea League against Danish side FC Midtjylland at the play-off stage, Fonte was pleased that the club could put that disappointment behind them.

There is potential for some very exciting ties, with the likes of Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Schalke 04, Feyenoord and Athletic Bilbao joining Saints in the group stages already.

"Last year we didn’t manage to qualify for the group stages so being there automatically this year is fantastic," Fonte said.

"We’ll have the chance to compete against some good teams in Europe.

"It’s going to be great for the fans to travel around Europe and hopefully we can go far in the competition.

"It’s a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against some very good teams.

"Hopefully we’ll have a good draw and we’re looking forward to coming up against the best. We can’t wait for it."

Had Saints been forced to go through the qualifying rounds it would have meant a maximum of four extra games to reach the groups stages.

But after Manchester Untied won the FA Cup, Saints were drafted straight into the pot for the group draw on August 26 in Monaco.

The 32-year-old Portugal international, who is currently on duty with his national side ahead of Euro 2016, believes that avoiding those extra games through July and August will be beneficial.

"I think it’s important we don’t have to go through the qualification rounds because otherwise the players involved in the Euros wouldn’t have a lot of time off, no holidays and that would mean coming back early,” he explained.

“We can have a little bit of a rest and prepare much better for the season and start it fresh.”