Hearts learn their first opponents for next season

The Edinburgh club were one of the top seeds and are joined by Inverness CT, Peterhead, Cove Rangers and Stirling Albion in their group.

The tournament, now sponsored and screened exclusively by Premier Sports, included Hearts in the north section of the draw with Edinburgh City in the south section.

Clubs involved in European competition don’t enter the until the knockout stage in mid-August. Due to the early start, Hearts players report to Riccarton for pre-season training on June 15.

Edinburgh City were drawn in Group E alongside Hamilton, Ayr United, Falkirk and Albion Rovers.

Chairmen and directors across the country are hopeful fans will be allowed to attend Premier Sports Cup ties after a year when almost every match was played behind closed doors due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Group winners progress to the Premier Sports Cup’s knockout phase along with the three best runners up.

FULL PREMIER SPORTS CUP GROUP STAGE DRAW

GROUP A

Hearts, Inverness CT, Peterhead, Cove Rangers, Stirling Albion.

GROUP B

Dundee Utd, Arbroath, East Fife, Elgin City, Kelty Hearts

GROUP C

Ross County, Dundee, Forfar, Montrose, Brora Rangers.

GROUP D

Livingston, Raith Rovers, Alloa, Cowdenbeath, Brechin City.

GROUP E

Hamilton, Ayr Utd, Falkirk, Albion Rovers, Edinburgh City.

GROUP F

Motherwell, Queen of the South, Airdrie, Annan Athletic, Queen’s Park.

GROUP G

Kilmarnock, Morton, Clyde, Stranraer, East Kilbride.

GROUP H

St Mirren, Dunfermline, Stenhousemuir, Partick Thistle, Dumbarton.

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