THE Europa League might not have the greatest reputation in England but as a veteran of the competition Johann Berg Gudmundsson is urging the Clarets to do all they can to secure continental qualification.

Burnley could find themselves in the Europa League if they catch Arsenal in sixth or if they remain in seventh and one of Manchester United, Tottenham or Chelsea win the FA Cup.

The Clarets' remarkable season so far has sparked dreams of a European tilt next season and Gudmundsson remembers his experiences in the competition with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar as being entirely positive.

Clubs in the Premier League have often taken a scornful attitude towards the Europa League, concerned at the impact of playing on Thursday's and Sunday's on league form.

But Iceland winger Gudmundsson believes there's plenty of positives to a European campaign.

"It’s a real possibility, and for a club like Burnley going into the Europa League would be a fantastic achievement," the 27-year-old said.

"I played a few seasons back in Holland. I think we reached the quarter-finals twice so I've been around in that competition. It's a good competition.

"I don't think it's looked at as the greatest competition in England because it's tough, you're playing Thursday and Sunday. The demand on the Premier League is so tough that it can take a bit out of you. There are pros and cons about it."

While qualifying for the Europa League might not always be seen in a positive light in England, Gudmundsson insists it would be a huge achievement for a Clarets side who finished 16th last term.

"Since I came to England the Europa League has not been viewed as a competition that you want to be in. It's always been like that," he said.

"But for a club like Burnley to get in to it would be another historic moment and another great achievement in what we're building."

During Gudmundsson's time at AZ Alkmaar the Dutch club reached the last eight of the Europa League in 2011/12, losing to Valencia, and 2013/14 when they were beaten by Benfica.

Gudmundsson made 26 appearances in the competition in his four years at AFAS Stadion, scoring four goals, and he has only positive memories of the experience.

"I enjoyed it when I was back in Holland; it was a fantastic learning experience," he said.

"You go to different places, visit different countries, play against teams with different styles. It's a good experience and I'm definitely happy that I've done it.

"It is something that, as a footballer, you certainly want to play in. It's Europe and you want to test yourself against different teams.

"It's definitely something that the players will be looking at. The pressure isn't off us but it is a relief that we've got to that 40-point mark. We can enjoy the football that we're playing even more and hopefully get even better performances out of ourselves."