League of Ireland Premier Division clubs Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers will be entered into next season's Scottish Challenge Cup.
The FAI Director of Competitions Fran Gavin made the announcement at today's launch of the 2017 Airtricity League.
The competition features teams from outside the Scottish Premiership as well as the top flight's under 20 teams.
This year's tournament also included two clubs each from Wales and Northern Ireland.
Both Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers reacted positively to the news:
Delighted to be entering the 2017/18 Irn-Bru Scottish Challenge Cup. #bitored https://t.co/eX4fnvjE67
— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) February 14, 2017
We're delighted to be taking part in next seasons IRN-BRU Scottish Challenge Cup. https://t.co/EcgdzGUCTp
— Bray Wanderers FC (@BrayWanderers) February 14, 2017
Scottish Premier Division side Rangers were the reigning Scottish Challenge Cup champions, having won the 2015-16 edition, beating Peterhead 4-0 in the final at Hampden Park on April 10th 2016.
Welsh and Northern Irish clubs will also feature, having done so during the current 2016-17 tournament.
Crusaders and Linfield are involved in 2016-17 from Northern Ireland, while Wales are represented by The New Saints and Bala Town.
The 2017 League of Ireland season kicks off on February 24th, with the curtain raiser, the President of Ireland's Cup between reigning league champions Dundalk and FAI Cup holders Cork City taking place on February 17th at Turner's Cross.
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