Stevie Aitken says East Kilbride will be massive underdogs in the Premier Sports Cup group stages, but will give it their best shot.
The Lowland League runners-up have been given a slot in the group stages draw on Friday afternoon, after winning the drawing of lots with their Highland League counterparts Fraserburgh.
That gives them access to the draw for what was the Betfred Cup last season, alongside Lowland League champions Kelty Hearts and Highland League winners Brora Rangers.
With five clubs involved in UEFA competitions, the group stages draw will involve the other 37 SPFL clubs from 2020-21.
Aitken knows Kilby will be up against it, but says the competition gives them a brilliant opportunity to show what the club is all about, and how far they have progressed.
It will also provide the K-Park club with some quality pre-season opponents, if nothing else.
He said: “I think as a club it’s great, it’s a big tournament, there are a lot of clubs involved in it.
“It will create a bit of tension, and it’s a chance for East Kilbride to put themselves out there, and show what kind of set-up and kind of a club we are.
“I think that’s important for us, going forward.”
Aitken added: “It will be tough, we will be underdogs in the whole section, but I don’t think it’s about that.
“It’s about showing what East Kilbride are about, what we’re trying to do, and we look forward to it.
“We’ll use it as part of our pre-season for the season starting.
“It’s a platform for us and the players, it will be good for them and for the club.
“We’ll go in there and we’ll do our best, we’ll be ready for it.
“It’s exciting. I think it’s something the club deserve for their efforts - not just from last season.
“We look forward to it coming round, we look forward to the draw on Friday, we’ll see who we get, and then we can start planning for it then.”
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