
Cove Rangers manager John Sheran insists they have to treat their rematch with Cowdenbeath like any other game.
The Highland League champions were beaten by the Blue Brazil in controversial fashion in this season’s League Two play-off final.
The pair will now meet again in next season’s League Cup group stage.
Cove are in Group C which also contains Premiership Hearts, Inverness Caley Thistle of the Championship and Raith Rovers from League One.
The Aberdeen team’s 3-2 defeat in the second leg of the play-off final was controversial with keeper Stuart McKenzie appearing to be fouled for Brad Smith’s winning goal.
Cove ended the game at Central Park with eight men with Sheran and his opposite number Gary Bollan also sent off.
Sheran said: “We have to treat it as just another game and go and play it.
“I don’t think we need to say too much about it because everyone will understand what it means after play-off.
“A few of us were predicting that would come out of the hat and our prediction has come true and it’s just a game we’ll be trying to win.”
The fixtures will be announced next week, but the draw means there is the possibility Cove could play their first competitive game at their new Balmoral Stadium against Hearts.
Sheran added: “That would be a good one for the players and the fans. We know the games will be tough, there are three full-time teams in this group. “But that’s what the players look forward to when you are in these competitions – playing the big teams.
“We want the players to enjoy these games, but to enjoy them you’ve got to be competitive and that will be the big test for us to be competitive against these teams.”
Peterhead have been drawn in Group D alongside Premiership Dundee, Championship Dumfermline, Brechin from League One and League Two Stirling Albion.
Blue Toon boss Jim McInally believes there will be little pressure on them and hopes his side can spring a surprise.
The Buchan team beat Dundee 2-1 at the same stage of the competition two years ago.
McInally said: “Other than facing Stirling Albion we will be underdogs in the rest of the games.
“And we’ve been known to spring a wee surprise in this cup as underdogs, we’ll go in with no pressure
“We got beat 5-1 by Dunfermline last year in the group stage so we know what can happen.
“It’s a great test for us. We beat Dundee two years ago at home.
“We know they’ll be wary of us because they’ll know we’re capable, we’re looking forward to it.”
Peterhead also look set to lose midfielder Jordon Brown who has turned down a new contract.
The 2018-19 League Cup draw is as follows:
North Section:
Group A: Ross County, Dundee United, Arbroath, Elgin City, Alloa Athletic.
Group B: St Johnstone, Falkirk, Montrose, East Fife, Forfar Athletic.
Group C: Hearts, Inverness Caley Thistle, Raith Rovers, Cowdenbeath, Cove Rangers.
Group D: Dundee, Dunfermline, Stirling Albion, Brechin City, Peterhead.
South Section:
Group E: Partick Thistle, Morton, Albion Rovers, Ayr United, Stenhousemuir.
Group F: Hamilton, Livingston, Berwick Rangers, Airdrieonians, Annan Athletic.
Group G: Motherwell, Queen of the South, Clyde, Edinburgh City, Stranraer.
Group H: Kilmarnock, St Mirren, Dumbarton, Queen’s Park, Spartans.