Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes wants nothing to do with the League Cup’s new group stages, but believes the revamped format is exactly what Scottish football needs.
The four Scottish teams which qualify for European football will not be included in the competition’s new group stages, which begin on July 16.
They will join at the knockout stages and after guiding the Dons to European football in his previous two seasons in charge, McInnes is hopeful of making it three in a row with another top three finish, at worst.
But the Dons manager believes the group stages, which will include penalty shootouts for bonus points, is the fresh thinking Scottish football needs.
He said: “The format was spoken about at the managers’ meeting at the start of the season, we were asked for our opinion and the extra games was the only concern raised.
“But I think there was a valid reason for trying to re-energise the tournament by trying something different.
“Hopefully we are involved in Europe and we would come in at the later stages. I think the SPFL deserve credit for trying something different from the norm.
“We will only know if it works once we have tried it.”
Next up for the Dons is a crucial match against Hearts at Pittodrie on Saturday lunchtime. The Aberdeen manager has been impressed as Robbie Neilson’s side has adjusted to life in the Premiership since winning the Championship last season.
He said: “Hearts deserve a lot of credit and respect. They are a club that also has to deal with huge levels of expectation, similar to the demands on ourselves.
“Since coming up from the Championship, they have invested in the club and made some good signings. They have done well. They are third in the league and they have shown great consistency. There is no doubt we have got a tough match on our hands this Saturday.”
McInnes is hopeful midfielder Niall McGinn will be fit for the match after being substituted at half-time during Saturday’s 2-0 win at Dundee with a groin injury.
Barry Robson (ankle) is expected to miss out but Josh Parker (knee) and Paul Quinn (virus) are both available.