Brighton fullback Joel Veltman is delighted to be facing former club Ajax this season.

Brighton and Ajax have been drawn together in their Europa League group.

Veltman said: “I was hoping for it. So happy, lots of messages.

“I grew up there. Played 247 games for the club so it's a special one."

“First we play AEK Athens at home. Then Marseille away and Ajax at home. We start here and hopefully for us we get the three points.

“Right now we have a break, then Manchester United away, let's focus on that."

Veltman added: “You can always dream about trophies, but you reach a certain level now where we are in the top ten.

“To stay rather than be there. I think that's a big aim for the season."