Hull City captain Curtis Davies was a relieved man when he found out his side would be facing a likely trip to AS Trencin of Slovakia in their Europa League bow.

Davies and his Tigers team-mates were flying back from a warm-weather training camp in Portugal when the third-qualifying round matches were paired on Friday and admits to an air of caution due to the presence of Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk in their pot.

Political tensions in the region were already high when the tragic downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 on Thursday increased safety concerns tenfold.

Davies was hoping to avoid the country and was granted his wish when Hull were matched with Trencin or Vojvodina, of Serbia, though the former’s 4-0 first-leg advantage makes them clear favourites.

“Obviously having seen what happened in Ukraine puts everything into perspective,” he said.

“Looking at the draw there was a lot of wondering about countries we might go to and what teams, so seeing you could play a team from Ukraine was a concern.

“I’m not sure if UEFA would have allowed it but it was certainly a little worrying. But a few of the lads had texts when we got back to England saying ‘you’ve got a nice trip to Slovakia’.

“We know now we’re probably going there after the first leg and I’m sure that will be fine.”

Davies, who has played in Europe before with Aston Villa and Birmingham, was unable to muster false enthusiasm for Hull’s expected opponents but is eager to take the wider recognition European competition brings.

“I’m looking forward to the competition,” he said.

“I can’t pretend it’s an exciting tie in terms of the team and the players they have but what is exciting is embarking on a European adventure.”

The third-round first legs are set to be played on July 31, with the second legs on August 7.