PAOLO Di Canio cannot wait to pit his wits against Championship opposition when his Swindon Town side take on Brighton in the first round of the Capital One Cup.

Town have been drawn to face the Seagulls at the County Ground in the 2012/13 season opener, and the Robins manager was delighted with the tie.

He told www.swindontownfc.co.uk: "Obviously I am very happy with the draw. Last season we started the season very well in the cups against higher-division opposition and we now have that opportunity again.

"There were many good games against higher-division teams last season and the game against Brighton means we can challenge another of those sides.

"It will be special this year because the game is played before the league season begins. It will be an important test against a good footballing side.

"Gus Poyet is a manager who likes his team to play attractive football and they finished tenth in the championship last season.

"This will be the first official test for us. My pre-season will be tough again and we have plenty of time to be ready for the cup fixture and for the new league season.

"Brighton will be a good chance to see how the players integrate and play together as a group. Only through victories can we build the belief and it should be an exciting match.

"We will prepare well and of course we want to win the game like we do any other.

"We want to give satisfaction to our supporters after the summer break and hopefully there will be a big crowd at The County Ground so we can start the new season together."