HAYDEN Mullins will be returning to one of his old clubs after Colchester United were drawn to play Championship side Birmingham City in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

The U's have been paired with the two-time winners at St Andrew's following this afternoon's draw, which took place live on Sky Sports.

Mullins made 39 league and cup appearances for Birmingham as a player, between 2012 and 2014.

The tie will be played week commencing, August 9.

Colchester will be hoping to make progress in this season's competition, having been knocked out in the opening round in the 2020-21 campaign.

The U's were beaten 3-1 at Championship club Reading last season, to bow out of the tournament at the first hurdle.

The previous year, Colchester made it through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup thanks to a memorable run in the tournament.

They memorably beat Premier League opponents Crystal Palace and Spurs before bowing out to Manchester United in the last-eight tie, losing 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, the EFL and Carabao have today announced a further two-year extension to their partnership that will see the energy drinks brand remain Title Sponsor of the Carabao Cup until 2024.

The extension highlights the success of the partnership that began in 2017 and has helped Carabao establish and grow their UK market whilst promoting the brand to the Cup’s international audience.

As a Thai-based company, the partnership has also provided the EFL with a platform to develop the competition’s presence across the globe.

Last season’s Carabao Cup matches were broadcast in 181 territories with a cumulative global audience of 103.4million - a figure that has increased by 32% since the 2019/20 season - demonstrating how the competition remains a popular fixture in the football calendar both at home and abroad.

EFL Chief Commercial Officer Ben Wright said: “We are incredibly pleased to extend the EFL’s partnership with Carabao, it is a title sponsorship that has been hugely successful for both parties and highlights the strength of the competition both domestically and internationally.

"The competition offers Carabao the unique opportunity to connect with millions of football supporters whilst helping us to showcase the competition at home and on a global stage.

“I’d like to thank Carabao for their continued support of the competition, especially throughout the pandemic.

"We’re looking forward to another action-packed season of Carabao Cup football with supporters back watching the action unfold.”

Meanwhile, Colchester will take on West Ham United's under-21s in Group A of this season's Papa John's Trophy.

Colchester will also play Ipswich Town and Gillingham, in the group stages of the competition.