St Mirren manager Danny Lennon is determined to better his own cup record when his side take on Aberdeen in the quarter-final of the Scottish Communities League Cup.
The tie will be the fourth occasion the Buddies boss has experienced the last eight of a competition during his two years at the helm of the Paisley club.
Lennon heads into Tuesday's clash at Pittodrie desperate to witness his side's progression to the semis and see them take a step closer to the ultimate aim of adding to the trophy cabinet.
He said: "In my two years at the club, this will be my fourth quarter-final and I've yet to progress beyond that so the cups are very important.
"It's the best, and most realistic, opportunity for any silverware for our football club.
"The cup gives you five games to bring our your best, whereas in the league you've got to do that every week.
"We strive to do that but it is more demanding on the players."
Saints travel to the Granite City on the back of three defeats in a row to St Johnstone, Celtic and Dundee United.
Lennon welcomes the respite from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and sees no reason why his side cannot return to form in the League Cup.
He said: "It's not been a great month for us and it's good to get a break from the demands of the league campaign.
"I'm a firm believer that anything can happen in the cups.
"I think a few people at this minute in time would see us getting a win at Aberdeen - with the current form they are in - as a big surprise.
"But I believe we have the personnel who can make that result happen.
"We have progressed in a lot of ways over the last 18 months but, in other ways, we haven't done anything yet.
"It's up to us to keep pushing ourselves. There is potential for us to do something special this season, whether that be in the cup or the league.
"If we show our strengths collectively, consistently, I'm excited by what we could achieve for our wonderful fans."
Aberdeen have not lost a game since their opening day defeat to champions Celtic but Lennon believes the key to success for Saints is to frustrate the Dons fans.
He said: "We know the challenge that lies ahead - it's going to be a very tough task for us.
"Aberdeen are enjoying a fine run of form, they've got consistency and they are getting results.
"It's something they have been missing for the last few years.
"At the beginning of the season, people were tipping them to have a great season, but that can create a type of pressure.
"Although they will be favourites, I believe the Aberdeen fans can be impatient from my experiences up there.
"So, if we can grab a hold of the game, the home fans could turn on their team and make it a horrible night for them."
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