Craig Sibbald Motherwell Preview

Dundee United are gearing up for a challenging away tie against Motherwell at Fir Park in the quarter-final stage of the Premier Sports Cup, and midfielder Craig Sibbald believes the team is ready to rise to the occasion.

United's eight-match unbeaten run came to an end with the one-nil reversal against Rangers last weekend, Sibbald and his teammates remain optimistic about their cup campaign.

Reflecting on the defeat, Sibbald admitted that the team’s performance was flat at the start. "It was disappointing to lose the goal that went right through the middle," he said. "I was gutted because after that, we played pretty well and had a lot of possession, but we didn't take enough chances." Sibbald stressed the importance of learning from that game and using it as motivation heading into Friday's clash with Motherwell, which promises to be a stern test.

Motherwell have also enjoyed a strong start to the season, and Sibbald acknowledged the challenge of facing them on their home turf. "Motherwell is always a tough place to go," he noted. "But we’ll be looking to try and get the win and move on to the semi-finals." He was quick to highlight the importance of momentum, explaining that despite the recent setback, the team is focused on going on another unbeaten run, which they had maintained prior to the Rangers match.

The midfielder also spoke about the significance of the Premier Sports Cup for both the club and the fans. "It's important for any club to have a good cup run," he said. "The fans love it, and there's nothing better for the players than getting to Hampden and having the chance to win a trophy." For Sibbald, personal experience in cup finals adds fuel to his desire to succeed. Having reached finals with other clubs, including a Scottish Cup final against Celtic and a memorable run with Livingston, he understands both the heartache of falling short and the motivation it provides.

Sibbald’s experience, combined with the determination of the squad, gives Dundee United a fighting chance in what will be a high-stakes quarter-final. "I've been to a few finals myself and won a couple, so it would be great to try and get back to one," he said. "These are the moments you look back on in your career, and this is another chance for us to pull together and make a real push for success."

United will also be backed by a large travelling support, with up to 2,500 fans expected to make the trip to Fir Park. "The fans are brilliant," Sibbald remarked. "They always turn up in numbers, and hopefully, we can give them something to shout about on Friday." He emphasized the importance of repaying the fans’ loyalty with a strong performance, particularly given the sense of optimism surrounding the club this season.

The squad's depth and camaraderie have been key factors in their strong start, with Sibbald noting that competition for places has pushed everyone to raise their game. "Everyone's fighting for positions, and there are two players for every spot, which can only make us better," he said.

While Dundee United face a formidable opponent in Motherwell, the belief in the camp remains high. With experience, determination, and a passionate fan base behind them, the aim is to secure a place in the semi-finals and keep the cup dreams alive.