St Mirren’s new captain Mark O’Hara admits having had thoughts of lifting a trophy at Hampden Park ahead of the ViaPlay Cup opener at Montrose on Saturday.

The 27-year-old midfielder will take up the armband on a permanent basis after filling in on a number of occasions last season.

With Arbroath, Cowdenbeath and Forfar also in their group, the Buddies are favourites to go through and O’Hara revealed his Hampden ambitions.

He said: “A Hampden appearance has been my ambition for a while and I have not yet achieved it.

“It is something that I am desperate to do and this cup would be a great chance to do it.

“I have been put out of the Scottish Cup in the quarter-finals against Hibs on a penalty shoot-out and that was a difficult day so hopefully this year we will be there.

“It is funny, you do think about it (lifting a trophy). I remember speaking to my dad the other day and I was saying what a feeling that would be.

“It does give you that extra fuel and inspires you, that hopefully that will be happening.”

St Johnstone captain Liam Gordon has highlighted the importance of the ViaPlay group stages to the rest of his side’s upcoming campaign.

Saints drew their first two ViaPlay Cup ties last season against Annan and Queen of the South and failed to get out the group.

The McDiarmid Park club’s poor start to the season bled into the cinch Premiership campaign and coach Steven MacLean took over from Callum Davidson in April to steer Saints away from the relegation zone.

MacLean became permanent boss and Gordon is looking for a more positive campaign which starts against League Two Stenhousemuir, with Alloa, Ayr United and Stirling Albion also in the group.

The defender said: “We’re looking at this group as obviously one to win.

“For momentum as well, it’s really important to get off to a good start and hopefully take that on to the League campaign.

“We’re all aware of what’s ahead of us. Last year we obviously failed to get out the group so we’re looking to rectify that this time around.

“We’re all looking forward to it and I think the main reason is because of last year’s disappointment.

“Get the momentum going and get the feel-good factor, get some good performances, get fit and get ready for the season. That’s all going to start on Saturday and I looking forward to the game.”

Meanwhile, Michael Devlin insists he has full confidence in his fitness as he begins a fresh start at Livingston

The 29-year-old defender’s struggle with various injuries over the years has been well documented.

However, Devlin was handed a contract by Livi boss David Martindale after leaving Hibernian following a short-term deal.

Devlin signed a one-year contract that can be extended year-on-year, based on a set amount of starts each season triggering extensions for up to three years.

Ahead of the opening ViaPlay Cup game against Brechin City on Saturday, the Scotland international said: “I feel good within myself. It has been a good couple of weeks since I started back. I have had some game time in pre-season games.

“I feel in a good place and ready to play my part when called upon.

“Probably the best thing that has come out of the last few months is the confidence in my body.

“That has come back and I can play a little bit more free than what I have done in the past and try to play my natural game as opposed to being a little more protective of myself.

“I feel confident and excited, I feel I can start to show the best version of myself.”

In games involving other cinch Premiership clubs, Motherwell are at Elgin City, Kilmarnock host Annan and Ross County travel to Stranraer.