Chelsea midfielder Oscar has insisted that he is excited to be playing in the Europa League.

The Blues were demoted to the knockout stages of the competition following their failure to get beyond the group phase of the Champions League.

However, despite the disappointment of missing out in Europe's top tournament, Brazilian midfielder Oscar has revealed that he cannot wait to face Sparta Prague tomorrow night.

"I'm very happy to play in the Europa League for the first time, and I hope we can do really well in the competition," he told the club's official website.

"The game against Sparta Prague will be tough, but it will be good for us if we can win the competition as it will help improve our season.

"I feel extremely motivated to compete in the Europa League and I'm sure all the other players are as well, and if we do well in the tournament it will make our season so much better."

Oscar joined Chelsea during the summer from Internacional.