Holders enter fray & Ibrox debutants - things to watch in Premier Sports Cup

Knockout football veers into view this weekend with the second round of the Premier Sports Cup.

Celtic host promoted Falkirk, while third-tier Alloa Athletic's reward for topping their group is a visit to Ibrox to take on Russell Martin's stumbling Rangers.

Ayr United visit Championship rivals Partick Thistle, Aberdeen are away to another Championship side in Greenock Morton, with relegated St Johnstone host top-flight Motherwell.

Off the back of Thursday's European action, Dundee United and Hibernian visit Premiership opposition in the shape of Kilmarnock and promoted Livingston, respectively.

Here's what to look out for across the eight matches...

The last time Falkirk went to Celtic Park, the then-Championship side flew out of the blocks and went at Celtic.

Goals from Ross MacIver and Finn Yeats had John McGlynn's side 2-1 up at half-time, before a double apiece for Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn ensured Celtic avoided an upset.

Still, it was notable how McGlynn's front-foot play was able to cause problems against Scotland's dominant club side.

After a straightforward group-stage campaign, it has been a more difficult return to the top flight for the Bairns, who drew against Dundee United before falling to a 3-1 defeat at bogey team Livingston.

Will those setbacks lead to tweaks from McGlynn or will he stick to his approach and take the game to a Celtic side who might have one eye on Wednesday's Champions League play-off home leg against Kairat Almaty?

"For us, a reference was how well we did there last season," McGlynn said. "We've got to take a bit of confidence and belief from that.

"We're always going to create chances with the type of team we are. We want to come out of Celtic Park with our heads held high and who knows? Maybe in the quarter-finals."

Derek McInnes made it clear in his pre-match news conference on Wednesday that he is targeting silverware in his first season with Hearts, who haven't won this competition since 1963.

Hearts don't have the best record in Paisley but can take heart from a gritty Scottish Cup win on penalties there last season. They also go into the match off six straight wins, having beaten two of last season's top-six Premiership teams already.

They have an opportunity to take a third scalp against the Buddies and McInnes was bullish when asked about his team's prospects in the cup competitions.

"I've said this to them a few times. There's not one player should have signed for Hearts without having that aspiration to win a trophy here," the former Kilmarnock and Aberdeen boss said.

"If we don't win the cup, it doesn't mean we were wrong to say it. I don't think you're setting yourself up for a fall. We do believe we're good enough to go the full way and there's no point believing otherwise."

The head coach has talked the talk. His team now need to walk the walk.

Ridiculous amount of shots faced across games this season.

Slow, ponderous build-up play, particularly against teams favouring a low block.

One imagines that will be Alloa Athletic's gameplan at Ibrox on Saturday.

However, Martin said before Tuesday's defeat by Viktoria Plzen that summer signings Thelo Aasgaard and Mikey Moore could both be fit to make debuts this weekend.

Will Russell Martin make sweeping changes and grant opportunities to fringe members of his squad or will he look to build understanding and favour continuity?

Both Dundee United and Hibernian were in Conference League qualifying action on Thursday evening, but with mixed fortunes.

While Hibs progressed to the play-off round with a 4-3 aggregate win against Partizan after extra time, United endured the agony of defeat on penalties after being tied 4-4 with Rapid Vienna following 210 minutes of football.

The packed schedule that accompanies European football is a significant challenge for teams as they attempt to maintain domestic form while attempting to secure a group-stage spot and the riches that brings.

United have taken one point from the two league matches that have immediately followed their European efforts this season, while Hibs have had more joy having claimed four points.

With both facing top-flight opposition on the road this weekend, their squad depth will be tested again.

Tyrone Smith, BBC Sport Scotland

Having completed his multi-million pound move from Motherwell to Udinese, the spotlight won't fall on Lennon Miller, when his former club travel to St Johnstone on Saturday.

So perhaps it will fall on another talented youngster - 21-year-old Saints striker Makenzie Kirk.

The Perth side may have been relegated from the Premiership last season, but Kirk caught the eye, netting 11 times.

St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari has confirmed there has, unsurprisingly, been transfer interest in the Northern Irish striker.

He added: "These players are very rare and to have a player at his age who still has a lot of potential to fulfil - of course there will be interest.

"He is our player, we don't have the urgency or panic to sell. I would be more than happy if he is our player when this window closes."

Despite being in and out of the Saints starting XI this season, he has still scored four goals.

"He has been top notch, pushing very hard every day - that tells me he is young in age but mature in his head," Valakari said.

Both Kirk and his Finnish manager will hope that hard work pays off as the Perth side seek a quarter-final spot.