The new-look competition, including Premiership development sides plus teams from Northern Ireland and Wales, was unveiled last week. Delighted co-manager Craig McKinlay admitted Colts’ potential inclusion as one of the top four Lowland sides had been a factor in the closing fixtures. He said: “We believed this would be the case and in the league run-in we placed a huge emphasis on the importance of finishing fourth with this in mind. “Obviously we were determined to finish as high in the table as possible anyway but it gave an added incentive to the players and is a great reward for what was a successful opening campaign for the club. “The current players we have and those we are bringing in are ambitious and want to compete in as many of the big competitions as possible. “This gives as even more to look forward to this year along with the Scottish Cup which we enjoyed last season.” Colts chairman Stewart McKenzie added: “This is a great reward for our fantastic fourth place finish in our inaugural season in the professional league pyramid. “Last season’s success demonstrated our ability to compete at this level and we look forward to the coming season with optimism. “ The Irn- Bru Cup sponsored by local company AG Barr will allow us to further promote the club and town and hopefully attract more local people to come along and support the team.”