Scottish Cup Special Clarkson's Semi-Final Dream On The Back Burner Motherwell V Dundee Tonight, Fir Park, 7.45
DAVID CLARKSON has poured cold water on a possible Scottish Cup semi-final slot - until his side be at the weather and send Dundee crashing out.
Motherwell haven't kicked a ball since beating Hearts in the fourth-round replay on January 22.
But the quarter-final draw has been kind to them with a date against First Division Queen of the South to look forward to - if they can beat the weather and send Alex Rae's men crashing out.
Motherwell have seen games against Inverness, Celtic and Dundee all post poned because of the state of their pitch. An inspection will be held at 9am this morning and Mark McGhee's men are keeping their fingers crossed they will be playing.
Clarkson said: "Games are going to be off which is frustrating. You can talk about a good run but first we have to get through this.
"We have to concentrate on this game and not look any further. If we look ahead we will get hurt.
"Who knows what the weather will be like anyway? If we can get the game on then we'll just be delighted with that."
Motherwell have been impressive this season but despite their lack of activity the striker has warned the men from Dens they will be fitter than ever.
Clarkson said: "The gaffer has worked us hard in training and the break has given us a chance to top up our fitness.
"We did a lot of work in the summer on that and this has made us work even harder."
McGhee wants to make up for lost time if the game survives this morning's inspection.
He said: "I think what we have to do is try to make a fast start. We have got to get at them right from the off."
Meanwhile, Scott Robertson last night insisted claiming Motherwell's scalp would prove Dundee are ready to take their place in the SPL again.
Robertson can't wait for tonight's clash when Alex Rae's promotion hopefuls have the chance to test their top-flight credentials against the Fir Park side.
The midfielder said: "After playing in the First Division for three years, I want to play SPL sides every week.
"I want to be in the SPL. Rather than fearing the opposition - I'm looking forward to the challenge.
"St Johnstone did it last year by beating Motherwell in the cup.
"Hopefully we can do the same and it's not beyond us.
"It's not going to be easy because Motherwell are playing really well but we're not going there to make up the numbers."
Robertson is a big fan of Well's new-found flair under McGhee and knows the visitors will have to be on guard to curb their attacking threat.
He said: "They've got a lot of great attacking options.
"Ross McCormack is on fire and David Clarkson is also back to form.
"Chris Porter is a handful and scoring regularly.
"When those three are on song they're very dangerous.
"McCormack is already a contender for Young Player of the Year so it will be hard for us."
