Black: Cup run could kick start Motherwell's season

Motherwell caretaker manager Kenny Black has urged his players to show no inferiority complex as they look to end a dismal run of cup form against Dundee United.

Motherwell have only won one of their last 16 cup ties, including European games, ahead of the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at Fir Park.

Unlike recent seasons, they begin their cup campaign on the back of poor league form, having won just once in seven games since their most recent knockout defeat, against Hamilton in the League Cup.

But that victory did come against United at Fir Park three weeks ago in the days after Stuart McCall's resignation and Black knows that a repeat on Saturday could turn around their whole season.

Black said: "We had the experience of it in our first year, myself and Stuart, when we got to the final against Celtic.

"It wasn't a good final from our point of view, we didn't really do ourselves justice, but the build-up to the final and the games leading up to that were most enjoyable.

"We would like more of the same. It would give the whole place a massive lift - supporters, players, everyone who works for the club.

"Everything that comes along with the cup is there for everyone to see - the financial advantages, the chance to build up confidence and momentum and take that into the league campaign.

"We will certainly have to match the commitment and effort that we showed three weeks ago to progress against a very good Dundee United side.

"The good thing about that performance and result is the fact that they have done it before. There is no reason for them to have any inferiority complex. They can go out with confidence.''

Black, like recently-departed boss McCall, is at a loss to explain the contrast between their league form and cup displays in recent seasons.

"I can't really put my finger on it at all,'' he said.

"We set out to play the same way against all opposition and I can't put my finger on why we haven't had the rub of the green.

"We have maybe found important decisions going against us at important times.''