Irn-Bru Cup is given bit more fizz

THE Irn-Bru Cup will feature two new teams, one less round and more prize money this season, the Scottish Professional Football League has announced.

There will be six rounds rather than seven from next season, with the competition running from August until March.

It was previously confirmed that League of Ireland sides Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers will join at the second-round stage, along with Crusaders and Linfield from Northern Ireland and Welsh sides The New Saints and Gap Connah’s Quay.

Prize money has gone up by nine per cent to £335,200 from last season’s total of £308,000, while clubs travelling overseas for matches will receive a contribution of £5,000, a 25 per cent increase, to help cover costs.

The draw for the first round takes place on Tuesday, at 1pm and will feature 48 sides taken from the bottom three tiers of the SPFL, Highland and Lowland League clubs and Premiership Colt teams.

The first-round fixtures will be played on August 15 and 16, with the competition set to conclude on March 24 or 25.

Chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Following the success of the new format of the IRN-BRU Cup in its inaugural season, we have worked to further improve the competition for clubs and supporters.

“By increasing prize money, removing one round and introducing more new teams to the competition, we believe this year’s IRN-BRU Cup will be stronger, more competitive and even more exciting.

“We look forward to the first-round draw next Tuesday and wish all clubs the very best of luck.”

Dundee United won the competition last season, beating St Mirren 2-1 in the final.