First home European game 'amazing for the club and fans' - Smith

Bournemouth captain Adam Smith says he "would have never believed" he would be leading the side out for a European home game when he first joined the club 16 years ago.

Smith, now 35, initially joined on loan from Tottenham for the 2010-11 season, just after the Cherries had been promoted from League Two.

He then returned on a permanent basis in January 2014 with the club in the Championship and has been part of their journey ever since.

"When I first joined I ever expected to be playing in Europe, or finishing in the top six like we did last season, and performing at this level. I would never have believed it," Smith told a news conference before Bournemouth host Sturm Graz on Thursday.

There is the potential for the highest attendance at Vitality Stadium since it was reconfigured in 2001, with the filled-in north-west and south-east corner sections now complete and available for use.

Because of Uefa's long-standing ban on stadium sponsor names, it will officially be Bournemouth Stadium for the evening, even if many of the home fans still call it Dean Court.

Smith described the ground when he arrived, which had only recently acquired a fourth stand, as "not great" and praised the supporters who have been along for the ride.

"For the club and the fans, it's amazing. As a player, obviously it's great to play in, but it's just another game for me and the lads," he added.

"The fans will be there with us, supporting us. Especially after a difficult weekend, we are going to need them. It's up to us to bring the performance and the atmosphere on the night.

"There's more fans in the stadium and it's a big night for the club. I'm sure it can bring a little bit more atmosphere. "