Raith Rovers boss Grant Murray does not see the Scottish Cup as an unwelcome distraction from their league struggles just a different type of challenge.
Like it or not, the Kirkcaldy club have been dragged into a battle to avoid the drop zone after a run of 10 Championship games without a win, with the latest fixture ending in a disappointing 4-2 loss at home to title-chasing Falkirk at the weekend.
But while the league form has taken a nosedive in the last few months, Rovers fans have been given some welcome respite in the shape of their side’s progress in two cups.
With a Ramsdens Cup final to look forward to next month, a win over St Johnstone in Saturday’s televised quarter-final would see them reach the last four of the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2010.
A game against higher level opposition means the pressure is off for Murray and his men slightly, and the Raith boss would love to see his team upset the odds again just as they did against Hibs.
“The league is the priority for our club but we’re in the cup for a reason,” he said.
“It’s a different type of challenge. We won a great game at Easter Road and we’ve got to take belief and the positives from that.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game but we’ve got to bounce on from wins like we had at Easter Road and try to use that in the league campaign as well.
“It’s a game for the players to look forward to and everyone at the club to look forward to. Getting the Sky game, we’re at home but there’s a different feel to it with a different kick-off.
“We want to make it difficult for St Johnstone and give ourselves a chance of getting into the next round.”
Murray has also suggested that defender Paul Watson is “close” to a first-team return after being named as a substitute against Falkirk.
Watson broke a foot in December but came through an hour of a reserve game last week and was deemed fit enough for a place on the bench against the Bairns.