Stephen Robinson keen for St Mirren to cash in on Viaplay Cup run

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson is eyeing a financial boost from an extended cup run as he prepares to welcome a team that benefited from the impact of two Hampden finals under his tenure.

Robinson led Motherwell to both major cup finals in the 2017-18 season, where they lost to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic each time.

The Steelmen stand in the way of his quest to guide St Mirren into the Viaplay Cup quarter-finals.

The former Northern Ireland international said: “The reality is we are probably not going to win the league this season, but you have always got a chance in cup competitions because they are one-off games where anything can happen.

“We will be as proactive in the game as we can be. We have been in all the games so far where we have taken the game to other teams and played some fantastic football.

“That needs to continue because it’s a tough, tough test for us but at home we feel we are very, very strong.

“It raises the profile of the football club, it brings finances in, and it alerts players that it’s a platform to go on to bigger things, and you are in the spotlight.

“You get a lot of attention and publicity the further you go in the competition.

“There is certainly a big goal from our point of view to progress as far as we can.

“It raises the profile of everybody, helps to attract players and puts cash into the coffers that we can use to strengthen the squad and grow the numbers and grow the football club as a whole.

“I think a lot of the structures Motherwell have put in now have come from cup runs and player sales and it certainly gives clubs like ourselves a lifeline to build for the future.

“We have good quality in the squad but a few more numbers would be great and a cup run helps. It eases the pressure on finances and allows people to support even more than they do.”

Both sides go into the game on a high. St Mirren have followed up their top-six finish by starting the cinch Premiership campaign with two wins, while Motherwell have only lost twice in 20 games since Stuart Kettlewell took charge in February.

Robinson said: “The big thing was getting out of the tricky group stages and then getting a home draw. It’s a good tie for us, at home, where we have been very strong. We go into the game very positive.

“I was at Motherwell for a long time as well so it’s a good game for us. They will bring a big crowd across as well and it gives us an opportunity to progress.

“Both teams will be thinking the same. I have a lot of respect for Stuart, he has done a terrific job since he came into Motherwell.

“He has got them organised, they are a very disciplined side, and I think he has made very good signings as well.”

Robinson will be without skipper Mark O’Hara with a thigh injury, as well as long-term absentee Jonah Ayunga.