FC Midtjylland’s Rilwan Hassan has stated that the Danish champions will not sit back and protect their 1 - 1 first leg advantage when they face off against Southampton in the Europa League play - offs on Thursday .

The winger as well as Nigeria Under 23 international Paul Onuachu have both been named in the 18 - man squad .

“We already know this will be a tough game, we are playing against one of the best teams in the English Premier League that did well last season, ”said Rilwan Hassan to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“Through our hard work we got a draw in the first leg and we now have 90 minutes to get to the group stage.”

He added : “What we have to do to qualify is to work hard and secure a win. We are not going to defend even though 0 - 0 would be a good result for us.

“We want to come out and play our normal game and get a result.”

The 24 - year - old has made 8 appearances in the Europa League, scoring once.