Ross County forward Declan McManus says dumping Motherwell out of the Scottish Cup has given the Staggies added belief they can achieve their promotion goal.
A home tie against derby rivals Caley Thistle was County’s reward for their 2-1 victory at Fir Park.
But before that eagerly anticipated showdown against John Robertson’s side on the weekend of February 9, Ross County’s immediate focus is getting back to winning ways in the Championship after defeats by Morton and Queen of the South.
McManus feels reaching the last 16 of the Scottish Cup at the expense of a top-flight side has only helped the confidence levels in the County squad.
He said: “It was a massive result for us as it is not an easy place to go and most of the Premiership teams struggle at Fir Park.
“For us to play like we did and create so many chances shows what a good team we are.
“We have got Premiership quality in the dressing room.
“Going to places like Fir Park suits us better as teams like Motherwell come out and try to attack and that left space for our creative players.
“We definitely want to get back up (to the top flight) but we are level-headed.
“We had a couple of bad results in the league but overall we have done well up to this point.
“We know the Championship is a difficult league to get out of and we have seen teams like Hibs struggle.
“The result against Motherwell gives us the confidence that we are a very good team.
“If we play like that every week, we will be up there.”
McManus produced an impressive display at right wing against the Steelmen and set up both of Brian Graham’s goals at Fir Park.
It was the 24-year-old’s first start in seven matches and he was pleased to make an impact.
He said: “I have always been a striker but when I’m playing in that position I know I just need to get the ball in the area because that is where Brian thrives.
“He is very hard to beat in the air so I knew if I could get a good couple of balls into the area he would be there.
“It was brilliant to be back. After 75 minutes I was running on pure adrenaline.
“We always knew we would have to ride the storm at times as Motherwell are a good, physical team.
“We knew they would have an onslaught at some stage but when they did gain a foothold in the game we defended brilliantly.
“We created a lot of opportunities and had it not been for a great save from their goalkeeper I would have got on the scoresheet myself.”
