Stuart McCall backs new format in Scottish League Cup

Stuart McCall has backed the SPFL's decision to change the format of the League Cup with the introduction of a group stage from next season.

The alterations were announced on Monday night, with eight pools of five to be played in July and 12 teams progressing to the knockout round with Scotland's European competition participants.

Within the groups, all drawn matches will go straight to penalty shoot-outs and the team that wins that will take two points rather than one.

The event has taken on less importance in recent years since the reward of a European place for the winners was removed.

McCall feels a change was needed and he is willing to give the new arrangement - which sees the Scottish season start on July 16 - a chance.

He told Sky Sports Now: "I think they've got to do something and they're bringing something out that's a little bit different.

"We get a two-week summer in Scotland, which is mainly in July, and I think you do get more people coming out on nice evenings.

"It's something they're trying so we'll give it a go and see how it progresses. I certainly think - especially in the League Cup - something had to be done.

"Normally in July you're playing pre-season games and you're looking for games. Here you've actually got five competitive games to go at and get your season up and running."

McCall was more reluctant on the body's reintroduction of a winter break for Premiership clubs in January.

Asked if it was a good idea, he added: "It can be. I was manager of Motherwell in 2012/13 when they had a two-week break and I remember it really well.

"We went to Celtic Park on January 2 and we had a penalty kick in the 78th minute which Fraser Forster made an unbelievable save from.

"Celtic broke down the other end and (Gary) Hooper scored to beat us 1-0 - then we had a two-week break and I was thinking that's the last thing we wanted.

"It's about what you do in those two weeks. Do you give the players a week off and they go to Dubai and all these lovely places? You've got to keep them fit.

"There are no guarantees on when the bad weather is coming. You could have a two-week break, come back and then it's snowing for two more weeks and you miss games."

McCall, meanwhile, has backed his former club Rangers to beat Hibernian to the Scottish Championship title and win automatic promotion back to the Premiership.

The Ibrox club are currently three points at the top of the table after winning their game in hand against Dumbarton last midweek.

"Hibs are stronger than they were last season - even though they've lost Scott Allan - and the board have backed Alan Stubbs so I think they'll push Rangers all the way," McCall said. 

"I can see both sides going head-to-head, winning most games and it will come down to what they do against each other.

"The way Rangers are playing and the way they're going, I'd imagine they'll get there in the end and be successful in their aim to be champions."