Dundee United assistant boss Simon Donnelly says Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren is one of the most important games of the season for the club.
The Tangerines made it through to the semi-final of the competition last season and Donnelly would like nothing more than for the team to have their chance in the final this year.
And he hopes that the break from league action may just be the vital spark to return United to winning ways, with Saturday’s draw at Partick meaning they have now gone seven games in the Premiership without a victory.
He said: “We were disappointed we didn’t get the win on Saturday but we have just got to put it behind us now and look to the cup game on Sunday. It is a big one for us and hopefully we can win it and then kick on.
“Last season when we first came in we were fortunate to reach the semi-finals and for everybody connected with the club it gives you a boost away from the league stuff.
“It can also be good financially but the punters want to see cup runs and going as far as you can.”
United suffered League Cup disappointment this season when they crashed out in Inverness in controversial circumstances.
Caley took full advantage and have now made it through to the final following Sunday’s semi-final win over Hearts.
Donnelly admitted he could not help feeling it might have been United instead of Inverness in the final against Aberdeen.
He said: “You look back to what might have been up at Inverness. It might have been us in the semi-final on Sunday.
“It’s not, so we need to try to beat St Mirren on Sunday and push ourselves towards the Scottish Cup final.”
When asked if United’s recent winless run was caused in part by transfer speculation over players such as Ryan Gauld, John Souttar and Andy Robertson, Donnelly said: “I don’t think it has had any effect. All the boys are level headed and while there has been some mickey taking in the dressing room, they have been focused.
“They have had to live with the speculation since the summer so it has not been a factor. I’m still glad it (transfer window) is over. You want to keep your better players as it gives us a better chance of achieving things.
“We are quite relieved it has come and gone.”
New loan signing from Newcastle Curtis Good made his debut at Firhill and Donnelly praised the defender’s performance.
He said: “I thought he was solid and he can be happy with his debut. He is useful with the ball at his feet and is also calm and composed.
“He is a big lad and we are looking for him to be aggressive and win plenty of headers.”