Brian Reid believes Albion Rovers' Premier Sports Cup group clash against Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton Accies will be a good test for his players.
The Coatbridge side were set to play Accies last season but the cup clash was cancelled due to a Covid outbreak but Rovers boss Reid is relishing the looking forward to the rematch this season.
"We had Hamilton last year albeit we never played them due to the Covid situation," Reid said.
"It's a test for us because they're in a higher division than us but so is every team in our group besides Edinburgh who have a good budget.
"We played Ayr United last season too plus Falkirk and Edinburgh City are both decent teams.
"It's a decent draw but every group would have been tough because there is Premiership, Championship and League One teams in them.
"There are some good fixtures and venues for us to visit. It makes for a good start to the season and hopefully fans can return to generate revenue for the club."
The Premier Sports Cup gets underway on Saturday, July 10th and the group stage format ensures that club play less pre-season friendlies.
Rovers boss Reid supports the format and insists it's better preparation to play competitive games before the start of the league campaign.
He said: "I am a fan of the group stages. I've always used these games as a continuation of our pre-season albeit the results actually matter.
"It's more beneficial than friendlies with a lesser crowd and the competitive edge has been really good. It's a positive change to the start of the season.
"Friendlies are still important for match fitness but results are almost irrelevant at the stage. The results are more important because it's a cup competition and you are playing for something.
"It's also good to play against higher level opposition because it gives you a good indication of where your team is at."
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