Everton Under-21s will face Carlisle United, Hartlepool United and Morecambe in the group stage of the 2021/22 Papa John's Trophy.

The competition sees the 16 top Premier League teams from last season compete against senior sides from League One and League Two.

The draw was divided into Northern and Southern categories, with David Unsworth's Everton drawn in Northern Section Group A.

Morecambe will be the highest-ranked team Everton will face, having been promoted to League One via the League Two play-offs in 2020/21.

Hartlepool were triumphant in the National League play-offs, beating Torquay United in a dramatic penalty shootout final to seal their return to League Two after a four-year absence.

Carlisle, meanwhile, finished 10th in League Two last season.

Fixture dates and ticket information, subject to COVID-19 provisions, will be communicated on evertonfc.com in due course.