The season can't be far away...

The draw for the first round of next season’s League Cup was made today showing that the new season can’t be far away.

The Scottish Football League-run competition is being sponsored by the Scottish Government after Co-operative Insurance ended its 12-year involvement.

A £1m funding package will come from the Proceeds of Crime Act, using cash seized from criminals.

First Minister Alex Salmond made the draw along with former Borussia Dortmund, Celtic, Dumbarton, Hibernian and Scotland midfielder Murdo McLeod.

The draw has forced Dunfermline to travel away to Annan in the draw made today, this will be a bit strange for the newly promoted SPL side as the ties are due to take place a week after the start of the SPL season!!

There is also a local derby in the draw with Queen of the South being drawn along with Stranraer. The match is classed as a derby despite the two teams being 70 miles apart!

There is also a pairing of the other two SFL League Champions with Second Division Champs Livingston taking on Third Division winners Arbroath.

The SPL teams, apart from those who are playing in Europe, will join in the next round.

Scottish Communites League Cup, first round draw:

Airdrie United v Stirling Albion

Albion Rovers v Falkirk

Alloa Athletic v Morton

Annan Athletic v Dunfermline Athletic

Brechin City v Clyde

Cowdenbeath v Stenhousemuir

Dumbarton v Dundee

East Fife v Elgin City

East Stirlingshire v Ayr United

Forfar Athletic v Peterhead

Livingston v Arbroath

Montrose v Raith Rovers

Partick Thistle v Berwick Rangers

Queen of the South v Stranraer

Ross County v Queen's Park

Ties will be played on Saturday 30 July.