ALAN STUBBS is confident Hibernian can hit the ground running this season after being handed an eye-catching tie against Rangers.

The Light Blues will make the trip to Easter Road for the Petrofac Training Cup first round clash on July 25.

Hibs were beaten at Ibrox at the first hurdle last season and boss Stubbs is eager to get off to a flyer next month.

He said: “I’m pleasantly surprised with the draw, but also really excited and pleased by the news.

“Obviously at first glance it has the look of the match at the beginning of last season, but I believe we will be far better prepared going into this one and I’m a lot more relaxed about it.

“This is a great tie for the competition and we wanted competitive games in the build-up to the league season – this Cup tie certainly fits the bill.

“I’ll be looking forward to it and we’ll prepare for it diligently – what better way is there to start off both the season and the competition?”