West Ham United boss David Moyes is keen to enjoy success in the Europa Conference League but will see the competition as an opportunity to offer London Stadium fringe players game-time, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers will get the group stage underway when they welcome Romanian side FCSB to the capital on Thursday, having overcome Viborg in the play-off round last month.

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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Moyes has revealed that full-backs Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson will not be in contention to feature against FCSB, while Tomas Soucek is a doubt and Craig Dawson has returned to training.

The West Ham chief has hinted that Flynn Downes, who made the £12million switch from Championship side Swansea City during the summer, could be in line to make his first start.

Gianluca Scamacca has returned to training and Moyes has admitted he is trying to get the striker back into the matchday squad, meaning he is in contention to feature on Thursday.

Nayef Aguerd is nearing a return from injury and was due to see a specialist on Wednesday after having his protective boot removed.

The central defender is working his way back to full fitness after he was forced to undergo surgery on an ankle injury suffered in a pre-season friendly against Rangers.

What has Paul Brown said about West Ham?

Brown believes Moyes will treat the Europa Conference League with respect and field a strong side in West Ham's fixtures.

However, the journalist feels those who are not in the Scotsman's preferred line-up will be given opportunities to impress in the competition.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "I think, in a similar way to what you saw them do in the early rounds of the Europa League, he will play pretty strong teams.

"But he's going to give a few of the fringe players a chance without weakening the starting line-up too much."

Could any of West Ham's up-and-coming stars feature against FCSB?

With Soucek being a potential absentee, Moyes could select Conor Coventry - who has made close to 100 appearances for West Ham's youth sides - in the heart of midfield.

The 22-year-old started the home leg of the Hammers' Europa Conference League play-off tie against Viborg, while he came on as a substitute in Denmark.

Right-back Harrison Ashby may also come into the side after playing a role in the east Londoners booking their place in the group stage of the competition.