Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson has underlined the importance of making an impact in cup competitions ahead of his side's League Cup quarter-final.

The Steelmen play Aberdeen on Thursday evening and are eyeing a trip to Hampden. Robinson said that the lack of trips to the national stadium was something that had been pointed out to him when he applied for the manager's job and he was well aware what it meant to supporters.

"It was pointed out to me at the job interview that the cup success hasn't been great over the years," he said.

"But for a club like us, this competition gives us the chance to give the fans something to cheer about.

"It allows you to keep your season ticking over, because over the last few seasons all we've really had is the battle against relegation.

"So Thursday really is a big, big chance for us to progress and that would really lift the whole football club."

In addition to giving the fans what they want, Robinson said that money was a huge consideration but so was the platform it gives the club in order to attract players. However, he acknowledged that Aberdeen were a formidable barrier to their Hampden ambitions.

"Financially, getting to the Hampden would be huge and it's also why a lot of these guys have come up here," he said. "We sold it to them that there is a chance to play at a good level in front of big crowds, live on television.

"At the moment, we're keeping our part of the bargain.

"But we know what type of quality Aberdeen have got. They have signed a lot of good players over the summer and Derek has rebuilt the side well after losing Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn.

"They have massive threat with a lot of pace and energy in their squad. We're well aware it will be a tough night for us."