Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald takes encouragement from recent William Hill Scottish Cup success stories as the Jags bid to reacquaint themselves with the latter stages of the tournament.

The Maryhill side are looking to reach the last eight for the first time since 2008 when they play Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.

Archibald has seen Inverness and St Johnstone win the last two competitions and believes Thistle can also make their mark.

And he will use his own experience as proof to his players that they can continue their cup run.

The 38-year-old told his club's official website: "The Scottish Cup is always a great tournament to be involved in.

"We've seen in the last few years that so-called smaller clubs have done well in the tournament and we're looking to make sure that this year is the year we take our chances and have a run in the competition.

"I was lucky enough to play in the semi-final in 2002, and I'm wanting my players to have that same experience as I did.

"We know we face a very difficult task to make it into the quarter-finals but we are confident that we can go to Tannadice and progress."

Thistle have beaten United twice this season but Mixu Paatelainen's side are on a high after their 5-1 win over Kilmarnock.

The Jags warmed up for the cup tie with a midweek victory over Motherwell after their Ladbrokes Premiership meeting with United was postponed last weekend.

Archibald said: "Dundee United will still be on a high after their victory over Kilmarnock and they've now had a two-week rest so we know they'll come at us right from the start.

"We've watched their last few games and had the chance to assess their strengths and weaknesses to bring about a game plan that we think will give us the best chance of success against them.

"Having said that, we'll still have to be ready right from the first whistle to match their work-rate and energy."