Pascal Gross says the city of Brighton and Hove is relishing the challenge of Albion's new season.

The Seagulls play their final friendly of the summer when Rayo Vallecano visit the Amex tomorrow (3pm).

Gross joined the club as they arrived in the Premier League six years ago, scoring their first two goals in the competition.

Now he will be a big part of their debut Europa League campaign.

The German midfielder said: “Pre-season has gone well. We had a break and the USA tour was really good too.

“We’re looking forward to the new season – the whole club and the city.

“We are in a really good place as a squad.

“We worked hard to get into Europe.

“It will be a harder season with more games but we want to keep pushing forward this season in Europe, the Premier League and the two cup competitions.”

Lewis Dunk is expected to feature against Rayo, who finished in mid-table in Spain last season.

The skipper missed the final two games of last season and Albion were cautious with him during the three-game Summer Series.

James Milner could also enjoy his first minutes after his summer switch from Liverpool.

Gross hopes Albion pick up where they left off.

He said: “In the second half of last season, I think we played really well.

“In every game we felt we could win and that we were always in the game and in the end we achieved something special.”