Key Carabao Cup and Papa John's Trophy draw dates revealed for Hartlepool United as they could be matched up against Sunderland and Newcastle United under-21s

Hartlepool United will find out their League Two fixtures, Carabao Cup first round opponents and Papa John’s Trophy group all on the same day this week.

By Dominic Scurr

Published 22nd Jun 2021, 15:35 BST

Updated 22nd Jun 2021, 15:42 BST

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Thursday, 24 June, will see the League Two fixtures drop at 9am before the Carabao Cup first round draw takes place live on Sky Sports at 3:40pm and then the Papa John’s Trophy draw at 4:30pm.

Despite only being promoted from the National League on Sunday, things have become very real, very quickly for Dave Challinor’s side.

The Papa John’s Trophy in particular could see them matched up with at least one of their north east neighbours.

Players of Sunderland celebrate with the Papa John's Trophy after the Papa John's Trophy Final match between Sunderland and Tranmere Rovers on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Players of Sunderland celebrate with the Papa John's Trophy after the Papa John's Trophy Final match between Sunderland and Tranmere Rovers on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Both holders Sunderland and Newcastle United under-21s will be taking part in the competition which involves all 48 League One and Two clubs as well as 16 Premier League academy sides.

The draw is regionalised and the EFL say that grouping for the competition will be considered in order ‘to ensure travel time is minimised and recovery time is maximised for players.’

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League Two Sunderland Newcastle United Richard Mennear