East Kilbride v Ayr Utd: Scott Brown's side will provide great test ahead of cup games, says Mick Kennedy

East Kilbride will kick-off their pre-season friendly schedule tomorrow when they welcome Scott Brown’s Ayr United to K-Park and boss Mick Kennedy says it will provide a barometer for the levels his side will need to get to in the Premier Sports Cup next month.

Kilby were back for pre-season training last week and also used Saturday to limber up for the challenges ahead in the 2024/25 campaign.

Their pre-season schedule sees them welcome the Honest Men on Tuesday and League Two outfit Edinburgh City on Sunday ahead of group games against Aberdeen, Airdrie, Dumbarton and Queen of the South in the cup over the rest of the month.

Former Celtic and Scotland star Scott Brown provide the first test and Kennedy says it is one his side will relish ahead of the competitive action.

He said: “The first game for us will be Ayr United. I didn’t want to do too much, too early so we will be back in training again this weekend and we will get ready for the Ayr game, which will be a stern test.

“Ayr have strengthened significantly. Scott came in during last season to stabilise the club and did a good job, but I’m sure he will have different aspirations this season. I’m sure he will want to kick on so they will have a strong squad and it will be a big test for us.

“This game will give the players an idea of the standard for the League Cup games, but obviously the Aberdeen game when it comes will be a greater standard.

“Our pre-season was very similar last season with the game we had against Queen of the South. We always want to test ourselves against higher opposition so it will be a real challenge for the boys on Tuesday, but one they are all looking forward to.

“It was good to get the boys back to the training park. A few of them are