Dundee United's manager Jim Goodwin acknowledged that the Premier Sports Cup isn't at the forefront of his newly-promoted team's objectives.
However, he does realise that his squad is just two victories away from reaching the semi-finals at Hampden Park.
United will face St Mirren at Tannadice this Saturday afternoon.
"It’s a cup competition that comes around early and it can be significant in terms of how the season pans out,” the Irishman said.
“I’d be lying if I said it was a priority competition for us because the league is everyone’s bread and butter and the main objective for us is to stay in the league.
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“But at the same time, if we win on Sunday, all of a sudden we find ourselves in the quarter-final of this competition and if the draw is kind to you, you may get a day out at Hampden – which is what everyone wants.
“This particular competition has thrown up so many different winners over the last 10 or 15 years so there’s no reason we can’t have that ambition and dare to dream, I suppose.
“We’ve got to make sure we focus on a difficult St Mirren game first and foremost.”
Dundee United's opponents have not long returned from a gruelling UEFA Conference League tie against Brann in Norway on Thursday.
Despite knowing his team should be fresher, Goodwin is taking nothing for granted as he lauded St Mirren's European efforts. The Buddies crashed out the competition following a 4-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of the Eliteserien outfit.
“Stephen Robinson has done fantastic at St Mirren in the last couple of seasons with the top-six finishes and getting them into Europe,” he stated.
“They can be very proud of their efforts. They played against a very good Brann side. I don’t think the fatigue thing will play a part because St Mirren have got quite a strong squad with good strength in depth.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see maybe four or five changes from the team that started against Brann. They have players they can bring in who are very good quality players.
“I’m sure Stephen will be disappointed with the last couple of results and will be looking to make amends, but it’s a game we’ve got to approach in a positive fashion.
“Being at home, we’re looking for a repeat of what we saw in the opening 45 minutes against Dundee (on the opening day of the league season).”
