Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen believes his players have the strength of character required to get to the William Hill Scottish Cup final.
The Tannadice men will travel to Hampden to face Hibs in tomorrow’s semi-final under a cloud because of the threat of relegation.
Last Saturday’s home defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle left them eight points adrift of Kilmarnock at the foot of the Premiership going into the post-split matches.
The league woes have drained enthusiasm and hope from many of the supporters who will head west to back them against the Hibees.
Indeed, it is difficult to recall a time when a game as auspicious as a semi-final has been smothered in such despondency.
Nevertheless, Paatelainen is backing his boys to dig deep and give those suffering fans a final against either Celtic or Rangers.
Asked if his team had it in them to get through this cup challenge given their struggles, the United boss replied: “Yes we do – we have seen it before.
“Against Ross County in the quarter-final we went a man down and 2-1 down but we managed to draw level and then win.
“If there was a time for a team to show character that was it.
“We have been struggling in certain games but the spirit and character has brought us level in those matches.
“There is no problem with that.
“The issue is sometimes with the quality of the play and staying awake in certain situations.
“That’s what has caused the inconsistency this season.
“That is something that in the short run is hard to correct but we are working very hard.
“I can’t remember recently a time when our mental toughness and physicality has been questioned.
“We have shown the total opposite.
“Early on in the season it perhaps was lacking but we have developed immensely on that front.
“When you have a squad you have strong players and not-so-strong players.
“How they see a semi-final and view winning a trophy is the key.
“Is it a burden or a carrot? That’s what it’s all about.
“You have 25-30 players with different personalities and they handle it differently.
“We want 11 players on the pitch unfazed by the occasion and make sure they see the carrot and win a trophy.”
The Tannadice gaffer wouldn’t accept that the cup campaign is a distraction from their relegation battle.
He asked: “Is it a cup game or is it a league game?
“Whatever it is, we just try to win.
“It is never easy for us, especially with the way we have been going.
“Some days we have been good, some days we have been horrendous.
“Without consistency, we can’t have success throughout the season.
“Hopefully, Saturday is a positive day for us.
“We have been inconsistent but so have our opponents.
“Hibs have been up and down as well.
“So there are a few question marks in the air.
“When the league campaign starts again, we will look forward to it.
“But this is a huge match for us.
“It is a chance to get to the Scottish Cup final, which is always a wonderful day.
“Any player wants to play in cup finals and win trophies.
“So we don’t think about the league at all at this moment.
“We’re fully concentrated on the Scottish Cup.”
Paatelainen, meanwhile, is hopeful that the new Hampden pitch, just laid earlier this week, survives the wear and tear of a semi-final.
He said: “I have seen it but I obviously didn’t go on it so I don’t know what it’s going to be like.
“It looked very good so hopefully – and I’m sure – it will be in a good condition.
“I assume it’s going to be fine.
“This is Hampden Park, the national stadium, so we expect the grass to be in tip-top condition.”
