Caley Thistle and Ross County learn first opponents for 2016-17 League Cup

CALEY Thistle will open their League Cup campaign on the road against Cowdenbeath.

Richie Foran's first competitive game in charge will be at Central Park on July 16, before sitting out the next round of fixtures in Group C.

The 2014 runners-up resume their campaign at home to Dundee United on July 23 before heading to East End Park to play Dunfermline on Tuesday July 26.

Their final fixture in the north section takes place on July 31 against Arbroath, with the winner of the group automatically qualifying for the knockout phase. The four best second-placed sides will join them and the four sides competing in Europe – Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian – in the round of 16.

Holders Ross County start the defence of their trophy at Montrose on July 16 and also sit out the next slate of fixtures on July 20.

Their next opponents will be Raith Rovers when they travel to Dingwall on July 24 before travelling to the Indodrill Stadium in Alloa three days later.

A game against John Sheran's Highland League champions Cove Rangers awaits on July 30 to close out the group stage.

The revamped competition will conclude before Christmas, with the final set for Hampden Park on November 27.

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