Everton have been drawn to face newly promoted Hartlepool United in the group stages of the EFL Trophy.
The Blues, who will enter an under-21s team for the competition, have been drawn in Group A and will face Hartlepool, who secured a place back in the Football League in dramatic fashion on Sunday.
Hartlepool saw off Torquay on penalties having recovered from conceding an equaliser from goalkeeper Lucas Covolan.
Everton will also face League Two Carlisle United and League One side Morecambe.
The Blues are returning to the competition - which is officially known as the Papa John's Trophy - after turning down an invitation last season after scheduling issues left the club fearing they would be unable to field a competitive team in the games.
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But Everton will enter the new season's Trophy and know they have games with Carlisle, Morecambe and Hartlepool coming up following Thursday's draw.
The first group games are due to be played in the week commencing August 30 but Everton have said match details will be confirmed in due course.
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