Joel Veltman believes Albion are set up to cope with European football.

But there is a long way to go before they can really start thinking about international competition.

The Seagulls remain well-placed in the quest for qualification, despite defeat by Fulham on Saturday.

Veltman knows all about the demands of Europe from his days at Ajax, who he helped to a Champions League semi-final.

He said: “We are aiming for it. We have the qualities.

“I think also the club, the stadium, the fans around it.

“The basics are really good to go there.

“But we have played 22 games so we have to be humble and fight in every game.

“If we do that, we are ready for maybe a European experience.”

Veltman is happy to hear head coach Roberto De Zerbi talking publicly about his wish to compete for a European berth.

He said: “We want to fight for it but we also know we are in the Premier League.

“Fulham have three more points than us but also two more games. Brentford are there as well.

“Chelsea and Liverpool are behind us as well so it is going to be a nice fight.”

Albion must sit out the coming weekend due to Newcastle’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final.

Veltman would have loved to have got back out there after the 1-0 defeat by Fulham.

He said: “I’d rather have a game tomorrow - revenge sort of thing.

“But it’s rest, clear our heads and we go again at Stoke first and then against West Ham.”