Europa League qualifying as it happened

1. FT: West Ham 1-0 Birkirkara FC
2. Late, late Tomkins goal for Hammers
3. FT: Inverness CT 0-1 Astra Giurgiu
4. Budescu free-kick gives Astra win

That's all from me folks. Thanks for your company on a great night for Aberdeen, a twitchy one for West Ham and a frustrating one for Inverness. We'll do it all again next week...

Inverness midfielder Ryan Christie

"I think we expected them to be better than they were, which is a positive for next week. Every player in the dressing room knows this tie is not over."

We'll bring you reaction from Dons manager Derek McInnes on the BBC Sport website later, so pop back and see what he had to say. He's sure to be thrilled after such a fantastic result.

Caley Thistle manager John Hughes

"We certainly deserved something from the match and we're disappointed to lose a goal from a cheap free-kick. We dominated the ball but we needed to do things quicker. One or two of my boys are looking for a bit more fitness but I'm proud of them all.

"I thought our shape was good, we coped with their counter-attacking well.

"We're still well in the tie. I don't know if they will open up at home or be a bit nervous in front of their own fans."

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Dean Glass on Twitter: "#bbcscotfootball This was Rijekas first home loss in 13 and second home loss in 53. And that's unbeaten run included PSV and Sevilla"

Dougie Kinnear on Twitter: "Great team performance from The Dons tonight! Front to back we have been strong! Massive improvement v last Thursday! #bbcscotfootball #COYR"

Andrew Duffin on Twitter: "Aberdeen doing their best to stop all the arguments about Summer football. #afc #bbcscotfootball"

The return of Richie Foran from long-term injury is probably the only bright spot for Inverness. Will the Irishman be able to play from the start in Romania next week? It might be too much to ask of player who has been out since March 2014.

FULL-TIME

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What a night for the Dons! That is a simply stunning result. The visitors survived a few early scares but held on and made the Croats pay with some deadly finishing. Andrew Considine, Peter Pawlett and Kenny McLean were the scorers.

It could have been 4-0 in the closing minutes as Adam Rooney thumped a good chance over the top after good work from Shay Logan and McLean.

Former Inverness forward Barry Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"Inverness passed the ball really well but they didn't have anything up top. They had two or three half chances and a draw might have been fair. In Budescu, Astra had the best player on show."

Four minutes of stoppage time are signalled as Danny Ward makes another good save, this time batting away a firm 20-yard strike from Anas Sharbini.

That was sketchy stuff from West Ham. At least they got the win in the end, in front of a near full house.

Read the developing match report here.

'Full team for Malta'

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "The positives are that it was a good workout very early in the season and apart from Kevin Nolan there were no injuries.

"They have won a game which looked like being 0-0 by nicking a goal at the end. It will be a different game away from home. Birkirkara played tonight like it was a cup final for them. Can they work that hard again? We'll see.

"If West Ham had won 5-0 tonight Slaven Bilic could have left his key men at home next week but now they will all have to come to Malta."

SUBSTITUTION

Rijeka have not given up and are determined to give themselves some hope for the second leg at Pittodrie next week as Marin Leovac lifts a shot over the crossbar.

Adam Rooney comes on for the final 15 minutes, replacing David Goodwillie up front.

FULL-TIME

The first European tie played in the Highlands ends in disappointment for the home team. Inverness certainly gave it a good go against experienced opponents but they were lacking a threat in the final third.

The tie is by no means over and Caley Thistle have made a habit of upsetting the odds.

Into stoppage-time now and Inverness are huffing and puffing in search of a last-gasp equaliser.

GREAT SAVE!

Danny Ward makes a fantastic block to keep out a shot from the sliding Roman Bezjak. A point-blank save inside the six-yard box.

FULL-TIME

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Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "That goal releases the pressure. In the second leg they are going to have to come out and score which will play into West Ham's hands. Sometimes away legs can be easier for the bigger team. There will be space for West Ham to attack in the second leg."

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Golfer Paul Lawrie on Twitter: "Awesome stuff."

He's talking about his beloved Aberdeen, although it could equally apply to his round of 66 at St Andrews today.

Huge relief at Upton Park as the Hammers finally go ahead against the third-best team in Malta.

GOAL

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West Ham get the breakthrough! Goalkeeper Justin Haber has looked suspect all night and he misses a corner, allowing centre-half James Tomkins to chest it home on the line.

The crowd at Upton Park is confirmed as 33,048. Astounding effort, for a very forgettable game.

GOAL

Aberdeen are in dream land... Shay Logan gets his head to a poor clearance, David Goodwillie then dinks it into the path of Kenny McLean and the substitute cracks a volley beyond the exposed keeper for his first goal for the club.

SUBSTITUTION

Here comes Richie Foran and the skipper gets a raucous welcome from the Inverness fans as he replaces Dani Lopez.

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "Hard work and organisation go a long way. Birkirkara have really impressed me in the second half."

SUBSTITUTION

It's a double change for the hosts as Jordan Roberts comes on for his Caley Thistle debut, along with David Raven. Ross Draper and Josh Meekings are the men making way.

After those changes, Dani Lopez runs on to a smart Aaron Doran pass but can only shoot straight at the keeper.

Mark Noble heads across goal - nobody there. What a frustrating evening for the Hammers...

SIX MINUTES left. Who saw this scoreline coming?

SUBSTITUTION

The Dons make another change as Kenny McLean takes the place of Niall McGinn. The Northern Ireland international grabs two bottles of water as he makes his way to the bench drenched in sweat.

CLOSE!

Aaron Doran shifts the ball on to his right foot and takes aim for the far corner from just inside the penalty area but the ball whizzes narrowly wide.

SUBSTITUTION

West Ham's frustrating night continues. Skipper Kevin Nolan heads straight for the tunnel after suffering a shoulder injury and is replaced by Diego Poyet. Time running out for the Hammers.

SUBSTITUTION

Aberdeen make a change as Willo Flood replaces goal-hero Peter Pawlett in midfield.

Rijeka are dominating possession but at the moment are not anywhere near as dangerous as they were in the first half.

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Nicholsons & Scott's: "Keeping up in the Algarve via BBC. COYR"

The home side need a spark from somewhere as Astra take the pace right out of the game and silence the frustrated crowd. Richie Foran is on the bench after missing all of last season through injury. Could the Inverness skipper come on for an inspirational cameo?

It's been a bad night for West Ham so far and it could be about to get worse. Kevin Nolan has needed treatment on a shoulder injury and now Joey O'Brien is holding the back of his hamstring.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Inverness are lucky as the visitors miss a sitter in front of goal. Constantin Budescu threads a wonderful pass through to Brazilian William, who can only graze the outside of the post when he should be finding the net.

PA

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "The team Slaven Bilic put out was to put a statement out and go and win the game comfortably. It hasn't worked out like that."

Aberdeen midfielder Jonny Hayes tries to find the near post with a free-kick from the right but puts to much bend on his effort and the ball spins wide.

SUBSTITUTION

Elliot Lee - who scored the winner in the last round and is the son of former England midfielder Rob Lee - replaces Modibo Maiga up front for West Ham. And his side need a real injection of urgency here.

This is shaping up to be a remarkable result for Aberdeen. Remember, Rijeka are unbeaten at home in their last 12 European ties and are aiming to reach the group stage for the third year running.

YELLOW CARD

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Is the honeymoon over for Slaven Bilic already? Boos ring out at Upton Park as a Hammers back pass triggers more frustration from the home support. It's not going to plan. Defender Joey O'Brien has just been booked for a challenge on Ryan Camenzuli.

SUBSTITUTION

Final change for the Maltese side as Vito Plut replaces Liliu. The visitors have gone three at the back as they look to close this result out. Just over 20 minutes remain.

GOAL

Aberdeen double their lead as Shay Logan's deep cross from the right drops for Peter Pawlett, who manages to get enough power on his diving header from 16 yards to squeeze the ball past the diving keeper at the post.

Aaron Doran lets fly from the edge of the box and the keeper manages to bundle the shot wide. Much better from Inverness...

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Andrew Considine (far left) headed Aberdeen ahead against Rijeka. Can they protect or even add to their lead in the second half in Croatia?

Birkirkara have around half an hour to hold out for one of the biggest results in their history. But it could be so much better for the team from Malta. They've hardly threatened but Liliu drills the ball across the face of goal. A big let off for the Hammers.

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Gordon, Fraserburgh: "Watching the game, alas not in the ground. Aberdeen at their best against the run of play. I'll take an away goal but COYR! And give us 1 more. Some excellent stopping from Ward, boys doing good."

Sean: "Wind playing a major part in the highlands. Think overall we've been the better team but couldnt get a ball into the wind. Hopefully the 2nd half with the wind will bring us some goals."

SUBSTITUTION

First change for West Ham sees Morgan Amalfitano replaced by youngster Martin Samuelsen, who has arrived from Manchester City.

KICK-OFF

We're up and running again in Croatia and the home side are without Marin Tomasov, who was so lively. He's been replaced by Zoran Kvrzic.

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Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "The threat for West Ham is coming out wide. But Birkirkara are coming back into the game. Their fitness levels aren't as bad as I thought."

PA

More groans at Upton Park as Kevin Nolan finds Matt Jarvis in space. He cuts inside and shoots low, but Justin Haber is there to save. Then Jarvis cross for Nolan but it's just beyond the reach of the Hammers skipper.

FULL-TIME

Linfield have an away goal and are very much in the tie after a first-leg defeat in the Czech Republic.

The home side move forward with an urgency that was missing in the first half but a promising break ends with a poor delivery from Josh Meekings.

Malta's Cup winners have decent backing at Upton Park...

KICK-OFF

We're back underway in the Highlands and the home side show great appetite to win the ball immediately and force a corner... They go for a short one and the move fizzles out.

SUBSTITUTION

A second sub for the visitors just a few minutes into the second-half as captain Paul Fenech is replaced by young forward Kurt Zammit. Fenech appears to have picked up a knock.

PA

KICK-OFF

@whufc.com

Back under way at Upton Park. Will we see any goals?

SUBSTITUTION

Half time change for the visitors as Edmond Agius comes on for Edin Murga.

HALF-TIME

Derek McInnes's side had a few scary moments in the opening 45 minutes but that scoreline makes very pleasant reading. Andrew Considine got the goal with a header from a corner.

Anas Sarbini's shot from the edge of the penalty area has Danny Ward scrambling but the Dons goalkeeper makes the save.

How does manager John Hughes approach the second half? Does he go for broke? He might need to get more from Nat Wedderburn and Josh Meekings who are both central defenders being asked to fill in the full-back positions.

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Niall Hamilton: "Abysmal goal to concede. Questions must be asked why Esson didn't start. Should be a couple up by now #ictfc"

DISALLOWED GOAL

Jonny Hayes beats his man and crosses for Peter Pawlett whose diving header nestles in the net, but the assistant referee has his flag up for offside - correctly.

FULL-TIME

All to do for the Welsh side in next week's second leg after a 2-0 defeat in Copenhagen.

GOAL

Hello away goal! Niall McGinn swings in a corner and Andrew Considine is at the back post to head the Dons in front.

Former Inverness forward Barry Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"Inverness are playing lovely football, everything is really nice but they are not eliminating players and Astra are quite comfortable."

HALF-TIME

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The Romanians lead at the Caledonian Stadium thanks to a 24th-minute free-kick from Constantin Budescu.

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "It's not been the greatest of halves by any means. West Ham need a lot more movement, but it is mid July.

"It's a pre-season game. The tempo is too slow but once they get one goal they will get two or three."

You can listen to live radio coverage from Upton Park by clicking on 'live coverage' at the top of the screen.

HALF-TIME

For all their dominance, West Ham have lacked cutting edge up front. No wonder it's the Birkirkara players who look the happiest as they make their way for a half-time cuppa.

PA

One minute of added time.

Aberdeen are seeing a bit more of the ball now but Rijeka winger Marin Tomasov is still a constant threat down the right and is giving Andrew Considine a torrid time of it.

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Adamski: "O'Brien, Nolan, Jarvis, Maiga any wonder it's 0-0? All of these should be sold before the season starts #frustrating."

It's all gone a little flat in the Highlands as the hosts struggle to respond to the loss of that goal. Constantin Budescu fancies another one and lets rip with a fizzer from 25 yards that Owain Fon Williams beats away.

I've lost count of the number of times Justin Haber in the Birkirkara goal has punched the ball clear instead of catching it. He's just done it again. The ball lands at the feet of Kevin Nolan and the Hammers skipper acrobatically volleys narrowly wide.

The players are taking on water in a Uefa-sanctioned break. There will be a pause at the midway stage in each half since it's so warm in Croatia. There are a few red faces in the crowd but that may be down to the intake of other fluids...

YELLOW CARD

Matt Jarvis has been running rings around Zach Muscat all night. The full-back has had enough and pushes Jarvis to the ground. Out comes the first yellow card of the game.

They've hit the post, had a penalty appeal turned down and peppered their opponents with shots and corners. But West Ham have yet to find the net with half-time approaching. The mood inside Upton Park is one of frustration.

Yet another worrying moment for the Dons as Moises Lima Magalhaes heads point-blank at Danny Ward from Marin Tomasov's corner. The on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper has had a busy opening 20 minutes.

Best of the rest

Newport's task is made harder as Kasper Kusk gives Copenhagen a 2-0 lead. Sixteen minutes remaining in Denmark.

Not a happy man...

Almost an opening for Aberdeen from bizarre circumstances. Ashton Taylor's long throw-in bounces around the box and the home goalkeeper does not look too convincing but eventually gets a hold of it after a spot of nervous juggling.

Slaven Bilic is prowling his technical area. The West Ham boss doesn't look happy despite seeing his side dominate from the first minute.

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "The game is getting stretched which will suit West Ham. But West Ham have been slack, they are making mistakes and their final touch is letting them down."

It's one-way traffic in Croatia as the lively Marin Tomasov curls a free-kick over the crossbar following a Paul Quinn foul. Josip Radosevic is then allowed space to drive through the middle but elects to thump in a long range shot which goalkeeper Danny Ward gets himself behind.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Modibo Maiga lets fly from 20 yards...and it's heading for the net before the impressive Justin Haber dives low to his left and touches onto the post.

Former Inverness forwrd Barry Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"That's a real sucker punch for Inverness after such a bright start. We'll give credit to Budescu but there are question marks over the keeper."

PA

Still 20 minutes left in the first half at Upton Park but it's all West Ham. They have enjoyed 79% possession so far and lead 3-0 in terms of shots, 2-0 in corners and 6-1 in crosses. But the most important stat of all is still 0-0.

GOAL

It's not a great start for new Caley Thistle goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, who gets a hand to a free-kick from Constantin Budescu but can't keep it out.

Best of the rest

In some of tonight's other Europa League games, Welsh side Newtown trail FC Copenhagen 1-0 at half-time, while Northern Irish side Linfield are 2-1 down at Spartak Trnava.

Milos Nikolic was dismissed for the Czechs just before the break though.

Follow all of the latest scores here.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Another escape for the Dons! Marin Tomasov reaches a low cross inside the six yard box but can only smash his first-time effort against the post.

GREAT SAVE!

West Ham are not so much knocking on the door as hammering on it. They are denied by a fine save from Justin Haber who palms clear Modibo Maiga's header after Mauro Zarate had whipped in a superb cross.

Former Inverness forward Barry Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"If we're not mentioning the Romanian players, it's not because we can't pronounce them, it's because it's been all Inverness so far. Astra have been quite sloppy."

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "There are not many legs from midfield in the West Ham side so far. That is what is evident in the early stages. Mark Noble sits very deep and Kevin Nolan doesn't get around like he used to. So they need the wide players to really get involved."

PENALTY APPEAL

Skipper Kevin Nolan goes sprawling inside the box under a heavy challenge while attempting to connect with Aaron Creswell's free-kick. More than 30,000 fans scream for a penalty. The Austrian official is not interested.

An early scare for Aberdeen as a lofted pass finds Marin Tomasov in behind the visiting defence but the midfielder slashes his shot wide of the far post.

KICK-OFF

We're off a tad early at the Stadion Kantrida. French referee Amaury Delerue is not hanging about.

One way traffic at Upton Park. This time Morgan Amalfitano curls narrowly over the bar after a fine move involving Joey O'Brien and Modibo Maiga. How long can the four-time champions of Malta hold out?

Handshakes being exchanged on a balmy evening in Croatia. Not long to go now...

It's been an impressive start from the home side and a slick move ends with a shot from Ryan Christie which is deflected wide.

It's going to be a long night for Birkirkara's defence. Matt Jarvis goes past his man as though he is not there and pings in a fine delivery but Modibo Maiga's header from 10 yards is well over. He should have done much better with that.

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What better way to mark your team's European debut? Two Inverness fans pay tribute to manager John 'Yogi' Hughes...

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "There is more movement on the touchline than on the pitch so far! Slaven Bilic will keep fans entertained this season."

Constantin Budescu may be carrying a few extra pounds but the Astra midfielder has had a few nice touches early on and looks like the main man for the visitors.

Lively start by West Ham, with Morgan Amalfitano right in the thick of the action. They've won a corner and had a tame penalty appeal waved away. The Hammers are 4-4-1-1 with Mauro Zarate supporting Modibo Maiga.

Former Inverness forward Barry Wilson on BBC Radio Scotland

"It's been a typical Inverness start, moving it from side to side, making sure everyone gets an early touch. It looks like 4-2-3-1 for both sides."

KICK-OFF

Game on inside a noisy Upton Park. The last season at their old home for the Hammers of course...

KICK-OFF

It's not quite a full house at the Caledonian Stadium as Inverness CT get started, with the BBC Radio Scotland team guessing at a crowd of around 5,000.

Countdown to kick-off

LINE-UPS

West Ham United XI: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, O'Brien, Amalfitano, Nolan, Noble, Tomkins, Jarvis, Zarate, Maiga.

Birkirkara XI: Haber, Mazzetti, Fenech, Vukanac, Murga, Liliu, Zerafa, Z Muscat, R Muscat, Camenzuli, Miccoli.

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "I caught up with Slaven Bilic this afternoon. He has a real aura about him, he is a strong character and what he has done in recent years suits West Ham.

"The fans loved him when he played here. There is a real affection there."

Rijeka are a tasty side, seeking a place in the group stage for the third season running. Runners-up in the league last season, they are a team packed with internationals and experience.

They are unbeaten at home in their last 12 European ties and that run includes meetings with Stuttgart, Real Betis, Standard Leige, Lyon, Feyenoord and current Europa League holders Sevilla.

Bumper Hammers crowd

Having attracted a home gate of 34,966 in the previous round, West Ham are again expecting another bumper 30,000-plus turnout at Upton Park.

There's not too many fans who have travelled over from Malta. But hats off to the Hammers hierarchy for pricing advance adult tickets at £10.

Back in 1983 when Sir Alex Ferguson was calling the shots at Pittodrie, Aberdeen played five ties over two legs to set up that famous showdown with Real Madrid in Gothenburg, beating Bayer Munich along the way for good measure.

Last year, boss Derek McInnes got beyond this round with a creditable success against Dutch Cup winners Groningen but then came a cropper against La Liga side Real Sociedad before they reached out to David Moyes.

Countdown to kick-off

Half and half scarves outside Upton Park...

All change for Astra

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Astra were in Scotland last year as Europa League group opponents for Celtic, losing 2-1 on their trip to Glasgow and holding the Scottish champions to a 1-1 draw in Romania.

However, there has been a significant squad overhaul since then, with only seven of the players who started at Celtic Park still with the club and 14 new faces recruited over the summer.

Japanese playmaker Takayuki Seto remains and is a real danger man for tonight's visitors.

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Aberdeen will have the backing of around 300 fans at the Stadion Kantrida, including this piper, who is the only guy I could find without a pint in his hand...

Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur on BBC Radio London: "It is a strong team for West Ham tonight and Slaven Bilic will want to get the job done early.

"West Ham shouldn't have any problems tonight. Slaven has brought in his senior players and it's a chance for them to impress. There are over 30,000 fans here again tonight which is a great effort."

GET INVOLVED

We want to hear from you as the action unfolds so, in the spirit of cross-border co-operation, you can use #bbcfootball to comment on West Ham and use #bbcscotfootball to give us your thoughts on Inverness CT and Aberdeen.

European football may be new to the Inverness players and fans but manager John Hughes does have experience at this level, although his memories may not be especially fond.

In his one season at Celtic, Yogi was given the runaround by Patrice Loko, Youri Djorkaeff and co when PSG were 4-0 aggregate winners in round two of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1995.

As a manager, Hughes took Hibernian into Europa League qualifying in 2010, only to be humbled 6-2 over two games by NK Maribor of Slovenia.

Who are Birkirkara?

What do we know about tonight's Maltese opponents then?

PA

Birkirkara striker Fabrizio Miccoli has played for Juventus, Benfica, Fiorentina and Palermo during his colourful career.

They've got three Brazilians and an Argentine among the ranks and have former Juventus striker Fabrizio Miccoli up front. Miccoli won caps for Italy and has over 200 career goals to his name.

He may be past his peak at 36 but he's a real danger man. If anyone can cause an upset tonight, it's the Italian...

Team news

Paul Quinn starts for Aberdeen, which could mean a three-man central defence or Andrew Considine moving to left-back and Graeme Shinnie getting a midfield berth.

David Goodwillie is preferred to last season's top scorer Adam Rooney in the lone striker role.

Rijeka: Vargic, Tomecak, Samardzic, Leskovic, Leovac, Radosevic, Bradaric, Moises, Sharbini, Tomasov, Balaj. Subs: Sluga, Ristovski, Kvrzic, Bezjak, Mitrovic, Mocinic, Jugovic.

Aberdeen: Ward, Logan, Shinnie, Considine, Quinn, Taylor, Jack, Hayes, Pawlett, McGinn, Goodwillie. Subs: Brown, McLean, Flood, Rooney, Smith, Rose, Wright.

Team News

Inverness CT give a debut to Welsh goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, while another recent arrival Dani Lopez leads the attack.

The 29-year-old Spanish striker was once on the books of Atletico Madrid but fans should note that he has been at Stevenage and Barnet since before getting too giddy...

Inverness CT: Fon Williams, Meekings, Warren, Devine, Williams, Tansey, Draper, Wedderburn, Doran, Christie, Lopez. Subs: Esson, Raven, Foran, Roberts, Horner, Polworth, Jason Brown.

FC Astra Giurgiu: Lung Jr, Pedro Queiros, Gaman, Geraldo Alves, Junior Morais, Enache, Boldrin, Seto, William Amorim, Teixeira, Budescu. Subs: Gavrilas, Florea, Oros, Lovin, Dandea, Alves, Stan.

Team news

West Ham United make seven changes to the side that started the 1-0 win against Lusitanos in Andorra last week.

In come goalkeeper Adrian, defenders Winston Reid and Aaron Creswell, midfielders Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble and forwards Mauro Zarate and Modibo Maiga.

Maltese Cup winners Birkirkara start with former Juventus and Italy forward Fabrizio Miccoli.

West Ham United XI: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, O'Brien, Amalfitano, Nolan, Noble, Tomkins, Jarvis, Zarate, Maiga,

Birkirkara XI: Haber, Mazzetti, Fenech, Vukanac, Murga, Liliu, Zerafa, Z Muscat, R Muscat, Camenzuli, Miccoli.

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West Ham will have played eight games in the Europa League by the time they reach the group stage - should they make it that far - and new boss Slaven Bilic's next challenge is to overcome Birkirkara of Malta.

Striker Diafra Sakho is suspended after his red card in the win over Lusitanos, but even the most pessimistic Hammers fan must expecting another home win tonight.

Aberdeen got here on away goals against Macedonians Shkendija in the first qualifying round and West Ham beat Andorran minnows Lusitanos 4-0 on aggregate.

Inverness CT, who finished behind the Dons in a best-ever third place in the Premiership, come in a round later as the cup winners.

Unfortunately, there was a faller at the first last week, with St Johnstone exiting on away goals to Armenian side Alashkert.

Aberdeen and West Ham are also involved and can, of course, boast continental pedigree, although this stage of the tournament is a long way away from the Dons' finest moment in 1983 when they toppled the mighty Real Madrid to win the European Cup Winners' Cup.

The Hammers reached the final of the same competition in 1976, only to come up short against Anderlecht.

This evening, Aberdeen are in Croatia to take on Rijeka, while Maltese side Birkirkara are at Upton Park.

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It's not so long ago that Inverness Caley Thistle were celebrating a maiden Scottish Cup win and tonight marks another first for the Highlanders as they step into the European arena.

Just shy of the club's 21st birthday, they welcome Astra Giurgiu of Romania to the Caledonian Stadium in the second round of Europa League qualifying.