Mark Noble has backed West Ham United to get the result that they need against Birkirkara and reach the third round of Europa League qualifying.

The Hammers face the Maltese minnows in Attard on Thursday, having earned a 1-0 victory at Upton Park in the first leg of their second-round tie last week.

Noble admits that the hot conditions in Malta could make life difficult for West Ham, but the midfielder is confident that they will take a step closer to the group stage of the competition.

"Last Thursday was only our second game we've played in pre-season, so we're still unfit really and it was good to get the win," he told the club's official website. "They were enthusiastic, they ran about a lot, but we got the win which was the most important thing and now we've got to go out there and try to finish the job.

"It will be a challenge with the heat. I don't think the game will be as quick was it was the other night because of the heat, but we're looking forward to it. It's the Europa League and we want to progress, so hopefully we can go out there and come away with a win."

Noble scored two goals in 33 appearances for West Ham last season.