Gillingham have been drawn at home to Newport County in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

The Welsh side, who play in League 2, are managed by former Gills midfielder Michael Flynn.

First round games take place on the week beginning August 12.

The first round draw took place at a supermarket in north London.

Pulling the balls out were Liverpool legend John Barnes and former Arsenal player Ray Parlour.

The draw will see a return to Priestfield for Flynn, who scored some special goals during his time at the club, between 2005 and 2007. He played 97 league games for the Gills, scoring 19 goals.

Flynn has been a major success as manager at Newport. The Welsh club were promoted from the Conference under Justin Edinburgh, who would eventually leave the club for the Gills.

Gillingham fell at the first hurdle last season, losing to Championship side Millwall.

A good performance went unrewarded as the Gills suffered a penalty shootout defeat, having held the hosts to a goalless draw during normal time.

The Gills also suffered a first round exit the year before, against Reading.

• More on the Gills: Captaincy up for grabs

It was during the 2016/17 season that they enjoyed themselves in the competition, beating Premier League Watford and playing Tottenham in round three under former boss Justin Edinburgh.

Earlier on Thursday the league fixtures were released. Boss Steve Evans spoke about the games which he’s most looking forward to.

Gillingham start their League 1 campaign at last season’s play-off makers Doncaster and end it against Bristol Rovers.

Dates for the first round will be confirmed once the TV picks are chosen.