STEPHEN Robinson believes Scottish Cup success can increase Motherwell’s potential in the transfer market as well as helping to boost morale.

The Steelmen have already enjoyed a run in the Betfred Cup this season, knocking out Aberdeen and Rangers before succumbing to Celtic in November’s final at Hampden Park, and travel to Premiership rivals Dundee in the fifth round this afternoon.

Strikers Curtis Main and Nadir Ciftci arrived last month along with defenders Stephen Hendrie and Tom Aldred and the Well manager believes booking another date at the national stadium could help his side in their bid to bring in quality players when the market re-opens this summer.

“We are highly motivated to do that,” he said.

“The last run raised the profile of the football club. It helps to attract players, which we saw in January, and it gives everything a lift around the place. Financially and for morale as well.

“It’s a big, big game for us. It will be a tough game for us away from home but we are confident, based on recent form.”

Former Portsmouth striker Main has adapted well to the Scottish game, finding the net four times in six games at Fir Park already, but appeared frustrated when he was substituted during last weekend’s 2-0 Premiership victory against St Johnstone.

Robinson is confident from what he has seen so far that the 25-year-old can strike up a fruitful relationship with fellow new arrival Ciftci, who was brought in on loan from Celtic in January.

“Main is disappointed he’s only scored four goals in six,” he said. “But I think that’s testament to him and the other players. We have created a lot of chances.

“Curtis has done great since he’s come up. He feels he can do even better and so do I.

“The fitter he gets and the stronger he gets, I think we will see more from both him and Nadir.”

Midfielder Andy Rose is under no illusions as to the importance of the cup tie as both sides target a quarter-final spot.

Well secured a 1-0 win at Dens Park on league duty back in October before holding Neil McCann’s side to a 1-1 draw just before Christmas, but the prospect of facing the Dee in the Scottish Cup makes today’s meeting an altogether different occasion for the Australian.

“Cup competitions are certainly a way of building momentum,” he said.

“Looking back, some of the cup matches we’ve played have been some of my favourite of the season.

“It’s a really important match and we’ve been working hard in training making sure that we’re ready to go.

“Across the squad there’s a really good feeling since the turn of the year and results have been pretty good. Performances have been very good too.

“Beating Hamilton in the last round was excellent. It was an important win for us in front of our fans. I’m looking forward to this one.”