Jim Chapman knows that his side are up against it when they face Celtic in the first round of the Irn Bru Cup.
The Annan boss knows all about the quality of Celtic’s Development side after taking Jordan Hart and Jack Breslin on loan in recent seasons.
Celtic lifted the Development League title last season and look to be even stronger this season.
While Fiacre Kelleher has gone out on loan to Peterhead Celtic’s strike options have been increased by the signing of PJ Crossan and the emergence of Jack Aitchison from last season’s u-17 squad.
Tommy McIntyre’s squad have had a varied pre-season ranging from matches against Clyde and Dalbeattie Star through to the youth sides of Everton and Real Sociedad.
Annan lost their Betfred Cup ties against Motherwell, Stranraer and Sevco before avoiding the wooden spoon by winning 2-0 at East Stirling on Saturday.
Looking at tonight’s Cappielow clash Chapman said: “We may be the senior club but we have a very young squad. A lot of our players joined in the summer and are learning all the time.
“We picked up our first win at the weekend when we defeated East Stirlingshire but I see us as second favourites for this tie.
“It is probably the hardest draw any side could have had as the top young talent goes to the top clubs and Celtic are very strong at under-20 level.”
The winners of tonight’s match will go into the second round draw where there will be an open draw including teams from League One of the SPFL.
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