With two Premiership clubs in their group, Montrose face a daunting Betfred Cup campaign.
Add in the in-built problems faced by part-time clubs at this time of the year, and things get even tougher.
But that won’t stop the Gable Endies giving it their best shot in the season-opener against newly-promoted Hibs at Easter Road this afternoon.
“I like the concept of the competition,” said manager Stewart Petrie. “But I don’t like the fact that you can’t play trialists. We’re contending with guys being on their holidays as well.
“That’s the downside for part-time clubs like ourselves.
“We’re certainly looking forward to going to Easter Road, though, and the other games over the next couple of weeks.
“Away to Hibs is a great occasion for the club and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Matty Allan, Ryan Ferguson, Danny Cavanagh and Jamie Redman are all out, leaving Petrie with a matchday squad of 14 or 15.
Petrie,who is hoping to sign two or three more players before the transfer window shuts, added: “Pre-season has been a bit stop-start with injuries. In our final one we finished with 10 men, four of whom were under 17.
“We’ve had tough tests but they have been worthwhile. Our big objective is obviously August but we’ll be hoping for a couple of good results in the cup before then.”
Meanwhile, Neil Lennon is predicting big things from his side this season.
He said: “I was never a lover of pre-season when I played and as a manager I never paid too much attention to the results either. It was all about getting the players fit.
“But I’ve been pleased so far, the players have done very well.
“We know what is ahead of us and we know what’s at stake in the Betfred Cup. We want to go as far in the competition as we can, if not win it.
“So Montrose is the first step towards that and we want to get off to a decent start.”
Lennon has confirmed defender Efe Ambrose has finally reported back to the club two days late.
The Nigerian blamed his delay on a “personal matter” and Lennon says it has now been resolved.
However, he will not feature today.