Raith Rovers manager Grant Murray insists the involvement of Rangers, Hearts and Hibs will make this season’s Petrofac Training Cup the best yet.
The Kirkcaldy outfit stunned Rangers in April’s final last season but Murray acknowledges they now face an even bigger challenge in trying to defend the trophy.
Following their relegation from the top-flight, Hearts and Hibs will now also battle to get their hands on the silverware this season.
Raith begin their defence away to Fife rivals Dunfermline, whom they beat in last season’s second round, on Saturday and Murray is hoping for another prolonged spell in the competition.
Speaking at an event at the Forth Rail Bridge alongside Pars counterpart Jim Jefferies, Murray said: “We have Rangers, Hearts and Hibs in the competition now and these teams are involved in our league as well.
“It makes the cup that extra special, although one of them will be going out in the first round with Rangers going up against Hibs. Cup runs are very important, they generate finance and publicity.
“Winning the cup last season is something that will live with our players for a long time.
“You can say to the players, ‘that’s what you can achieve if you have a wee bit of momentum’. We do realise and understand that things move on and we’re in a new season, we have to concentrate and look ahead to that.
“We’re straight into a massive game, a derby against Dunfermline on Saturday. There is always be pressure on us no matter who we were drawn against because we’re the holders.
“Going into a derby in the first competitive game of the season, you don’t need to tell the players how important it is.”
Murray insists next season’s Championship is also going to special.
He added: “People on the outside looking in are always going to say that the big clubs, Rangers Hibs and Hearts, are the favourites. There is only the chance for two of them to go up.
For players and the rest of the clubs, it’s a massive lift to go and play these teams.
“To go these places is great for the players, it’s an added attraction.”