St Mirren boss Danny Lennon claims his side can complete an unlikely double by retaining the Scottish League Cup after the holders were handed a tricky opening tie in their defence of the trophy.

The Paisley men have been handed an away trip to Queen of the South following today's second-round draw at Hampden.

Saints lifted the cup for the first time in the club's 136-year history back in March when they beat Hearts 3-2 in the final.

And Lennon insists that his 33/1 outsiders can cause another upset this year.

He said: "We had a difficult run on our way to winning the trophy last season.

"But it's no different going into this year's competition as the holders than to any other season. We want to do well in all three competitions that we enter.

"A lot of people say that lightening won't strike twice, but it can. The trophy is something we want to hold on to."

But to have any chance of retaining the trophy, the Buddies will have to do better against Jim McIntyre's Doonhamers than they managed in a 4-2 pre-season defeat at Palmerston last month.

Lennon added: "It's a tricky one for us. We had an opportunity during pre-season to go down there and play Queens.

"The positive is that we have had a wee flavour of their new astro pitch. It wasn't a pleasant night for us but Jimmy has inherited a very good squad and is now putting his own mark on it. So we know the challenge that faces us down there."

The pick of the round was the tie that will see Falkirk host local rivals Dunfermline on either Tuesday, August 27, or the following day.

Administration-hit Hearts, meanwhile, must overcome Championship side Raith Rovers at Stark's Park if they are to hope for another run to the final.

Morton will welcome Montrose to Greenock while Ross County face a 266-mile journey for their clash with third-tier opponents Stranraer.

Forfar's reward for knocking out Rangers in the first round is an away tie to Dundee, while the Dark Blues' city rivals Dundee United will face Dumbarton at the Bet Butler Stadium.

Kilmarnock host Hamilton at Rugby Park while Accies' Lanarkshire rivals Airdrie host Livingston.

Scottish Premiership new boys Partick Thistle take on Cowdenbeath in Glasgow, with Aberdeen staging their tie against Alloa at Pittodrie.

Meanwhile, Lennon has admitted that St Mirren are "not guaranteed" to land Newcastle's teenage winger Adam Campbell on loan.

The Paisley side have an affiliation link with the Barclays Premier League club that has already seen Paul Dummett and Conor Newton join move to St Mirren Park on loan.

England Under-19 forward Campbell is reported to be the next Magpies recruit under consideration for a stint in Scotland but Lennon says he remains unsure if the deal will go through.

Toon boss Alan Pardew has yet to confirm whether or not he sees the 18-year-old playing a part in his squad for the new season and Saints boss Lennon says he will wait until the matter is clarified.

Lennon said: "Adam is a player that Alan thinks very highly of. I hear that he is getting mentioned for other places too.

"The lad will want to put his stamp down and remain a Newcastle player. But with the quality competition that he will come up against in that squad, it will be difficult for him.

"The only that gives us that wee edge is the development that we have had a part in for the two other players we have had here on loan.

"Until it becomes very clear what Alan wants to do with him, it becomes very disrespectful to speak about Adam going out on loan."

Motherwell and St Johnstone are also rumoured to be interested in the player while there is competition from English clubs, too.

Lennon is not even sure if his club will head the queue in Scotland.

"I don't expect to grab any player just because they become available," he said. "It has to be right for all three parties.

"Just because we have a good relationship with Newcastle, it does not guarantee us that he will come.

"Adam is a very good player and like all managers at this stage, we are actively looking to improve our squad.

"When Adam's name comes up then, yeah, we will get linked with him because of the relationship we have with his club, but there are many other good clubs out there that will be linked with him."