Alloa manager Jack Ross says he is looking forward to the start of the League Cup following last week's group stage draw.

The tournament has taken on a new format, with the Wasps drawn alongside Ross County, Raith Rovers, Cove Rangers and Montrose.

And although he admitted that he was initially sceptical, the manager says he is now relishing the return of competitive football.

Ross told Advertiser Sport: “Like most people I was a bit sceptical about the format but I think when you see the draw being made, it does add a freshness to the competition. There is a really good mix within that group and with the exception of Raith Rovers it is teams we haven't played in recent times. It is a good group and one we are looking forward to.

“It guarantees us the chance to play against a top-flight team and with them being the holders, it makes it even more attractive. Jim McIntyre is someone I know very well so from a personal point of view I am looking forward to taking a team to play against his. He has done very well as a manager and I admire him in that sense. I'm sure the supporters have enjoyed the draw as well. I would be honest enough to say I was a bit sceptical but I think when the draw comes out it does add a freshness to the competition.

Ross continued his summer rebuild with the addition of defender Scott Taggart to his squad, and he believes the versatile former Dumbarton man will become a fans' favourite at the Indodrill Stadium.

He said: “Our paths crossed briefly when he signed for Dumbarton as I was leaving to go to Hearts. He has played most of his career in the Championship, first with Morton and latterly with Dumbarton. He is very versatile. He plays primarily as a right-back but on the other side as well. He can play at centre-half and he can play in midfield which is important because I am going with a much smaller squad this year. The aim was to bring in consistency and quality and Scott certainly adds to that. The fans will like him. He is full of energy, commitment and quality. I am delighted to get him because I thought it would be difficult, so we are glad to get him on board.

The manager is keen to add three more players ahead of the new season and believes he is in need of a goalkeeper and two defenders in order to complete his squad.

Ross added: “We are looking at a squad of 18 or 19 to begin with. We will look at a goalkeeper in pre-season but there isn't a rush for that. We are looking to add another couple of defenders and then that will be us. With Scott signing, Kyle McAusland won't be staying with us and Dougie Hill intimated a while ago that he was looking to continue playing in the Championship. We are getting there with the squad. Iain Flannigan is someone I have spoken to consistently throughout the summer and he is someone I am desperately keen to keep at the club. Hopefully by next week we will know one way or another. We have other possibilities so if Iain doesn't come on board we will look to bring someone in but if we get everyone on board we will be looking at three extra players.”