DUNDEE UNITED will begin their defence of the Irn-Bru Cup with a home tie against Cowdenbeath in the first round.

The Tangerines triumphed in last season's final against St Mirren, who will face Lowland League side East Kilbride.

Tuesday's first round draw also pitted Rangers Colts against Dumbarton, while Celtic's youth team face a trip to Annan. 

The draw for the first round is unseeded, but divided into north and south sections.

All ties will be played on August 15/16, with the winners to be joined in the following round by Inverness Caley Thistle, Falkirk, Linfield, Crusaders, The New Saints, Connha's Quay Nomads, Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers.

North Section

Aberdeen Colts vs St Johnstone Colts

Dundee Colts vs Alloa Athletic

Stirling Albion vs Montrose

Ross County Colts vs Forfar Athletic

Dundee United vs Cowdenbeath

Formartine United vs Hearts Colts

East Fife vs Peterhead

Stenhousemuir vs Cove Rangers

Raith Rovers vs Brora Rangers

Dunfermline Athletic vs Arbroath

Hibernian Colts vs Elgin City

Buckie Thistle vs Brechin City

South section

Dumbarton vs Rangers Colts

Clyde vs Stranraer

Hamilton Accies Colts vs Edinburgh City

Albion Rovers vs Spartans

Motherwell Colts vs Queen’s Park

St Mirren vs East Kilbride

Partick Thistle Colts vs Stirling University

Queen of the South vs Airdrieonians

Kilmarnock Colts vs Berwick Rangers

Annan Athletic vs Celtic Colts

East Stirlingshire vs Ayr United

Greenock Morton vs Livingston