Young Staggies face Loons

Senior service: Ross County under-20s to face League 1 Forfar in opener

Ross County under-20s manager Stuart Kettlewell is pleased his side will get another chance to play senior opposition after being drawn against Forfar Athletic in the first round of the IRN-BRU Cup.

The Staggies’ Development League title-winning side was yesterday handed a home draw against the newly promoted League 1 outfit at Victoria Park on either Tuesday, August 15, or Wednesday, August 16.

The competition’s revamped format, which saw Premiership sides enter under-20 teams at the first round, drew criticism after

– Aberdeen under-20s v St Johnstone under-20s, Dundee under-20s v Alloa, Stirling Albion v Montrose, Ross County under-20s v Forfar Athletic, Dundee United v Cowdenbeath, Formartine United v Hearts under-20s, East Fife v Peterhead, Stenhousemuir v Cove Rangers, Raith Rovers v Brora Rangers, Dunfermline v Arbroath, Hibs under-20s v Elgin City, Buckie Thistle v Brechin City.

– Dumbarton v Rangers under-20s, Clyde v Stranraer, Hamilton under-20s v Edinburgh City, Albion Rovers v Spartans, Motherwell under-20s v Queen’s Park, St Mirren v East Kilbride, Partick Thistle under-20s v Stirling University, Queen of the South v Airdrie, Kilmarnock under-20s v Berwick Rangers, Annan v Celtic under-20s, East Stirling v Ayr United, Morton v Livingston. Ties on Tuesday, August 15, and Wednesday, August 16. being introduced last season, with Celtic’s under-20s the only team to make it to the third round, before losing 5-1 to Livingston.

County were beaten at the first stage of last year’s competition, losing 3-2 after extra time against Brora Rangers.

Kettlewell felt the experience of taking on senior opponents was ideal preparation for his young players ahead of their successful league campaign.

Kettlewell, who last week added midfielder Max Ashmore, defender Kyle Johnson and attacker Nathan Turner to his squad for the new season, said: “I know there has possibly been mixed reviews from certain quarters but I thought it was a great success last year.

“We played a very good Brora Rangers side at home and drew a good crowd.

“That was the start of the wee journey we went on last year and the interest that was generated from the local supporters, which we’re very thankful for.

“You can play all the friendly matches but actually creating that competitive environment where there’s expectations on the lads, and real challenges for them from within the game – we can’t do that from within a friendly match.

“It was a great success and I think that really set the tone for us for the season ahead.

“I’m hopeful it’s the same this year and I know from speaking to other under20s managers, a lot of the guys felt the same.

“It was a great experience for their players.”

Aberdeen under-20s will be at home to St Johnstone colts, while Elgin City were drawn away to Hibernian under-20s and Peterhead away to East Fife. professional footballers, but it should be a good game for the supporters to come and watch.”

Cove Rangers assistantmanager Graeme Mathieson said of his team’s trip to Stenhousemuir: “It will give us a chance to play on a quality artificial pitch before we get one of our own.

“You want to face Scottish League opposition but the only downside is the midweek trip to Larbert.”

Brora Rangers manager Ross Tokely was philosophical about a midweek trip to Raith Rovers, saying: “I have a lot of good memories going to Stark’s Park with Caley Thistle as the playing surface will be in great condition.

“It’s not ideal being during the week but it will be good test for the boys after a good pre-season buildup.”

Stuart Kettlewell: Great success last year