Airdrie player-boss Rhys McCabe is in the early stages of building his squad for next season, but hopes their Premier Sports Cup clashes provide a good platform to take into the league - just as they did last season.
McCabe scored a stunning free-kick to help earn a memorable 2-0 derby win over Motherwell in a glamour group game during last season's competition.
This term their Premiership challenge comes in the form of St Mirren in Group E, which also includes Arbroath, Edinburgh City and Cowdenbeath.
