Europa League - Burnley in line for shock Euro spot

PA Sport - Fri, 30 Apr 09:24:00 2010

Fulham's progress to the Europa League final has given relegated Burnley an unexpected boost.

2009-10 Premier League Burnley's Graham Alexander celebrates scoring his second goal from the penalty spot with his teammates - 0

Should Roy Hodgson's side lift the trophy they would qualify as holders next season, meaning Burnley would be in pole position in the Fair Play League.

With England placed third in UEFA's most recent continental fair play table, the Premier League would be granted the final additional spot in the Europa League first qualifying round.

And with Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea all set to qualify for Europe via their league placing, only Fulham are ahead of the Clarets in the table - with nothing to stop relegated clubs taking up the European place on offer.

Burnley manager Brian Laws said: "There is an outside chance and that depends on how Fulham go on. If they win the competition we have a chance of slipping in there.

"That would be fantastic for the club and the town. It is a long shot but we will wait and see what happens."

PA Sport

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