CELTIC will kick off their campaign in the League Cup – known as the Betfred Cup this season – against Mark McGhee’s Motherwell at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were handed one of two all-Premiership ties, with St Johnstone also hosting Hearts in the last 16.
Ayr United’s reward for finishing second in Group G in the revamped League Cup is a home game against last year’s Premiership runners-up Aberdeen, while surprise Group D winners Alloa face Inverness Caley Thistle.
Dundee United have been handed an intriguing tie at home to Partick Thistle, while ex-Hoops gaffer Neil Lennon’s Hibs play Queen of the South at Easter Road.
The eight seeded clubs were Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs, with “Rangers” ( under the Five Way Agreement are guaranteed home ties in all cup competitions), Partick Thistle, Alloa and Morton also seeded as the best-placed group winners.
There were early League Cup exits for Premiership sides Dundee, Kilmarnock and holders Ross County.
League Cup Second Round draw: CELTIC v Motherwell, Dundee United v Partick Thistle, Hamilton v Morton, Hibs v Queen of the South, St Johnstone v Hearts, Alloa v Inverness CaleyThistle, Ayr United v Aberdeen, “Rangers” v Peterhead ( surprise, surprise).
Second round ties will be played on August 9, 10 and 11.
TV companies will have a meeting to consider which glamour tie to broadcast live before announcing that their cameras will be heading to the tie of the round at Ibrox.
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