Iain Davidson helped Raith Rovers to the verge of the 2010 Scottish Cup final and believes Dundee can take some much-needed inspiration from those exploits.
Davidson was part of the Rovers side which belied poor league form in the first division to reach the last-four only to lose to Dundee United.
Now the Dundee midfielder is facing a similar scenario as Barry Smith's strugglers prepare to face promotion-chasing Morton tomorrow and he is hoping for a similar run in the competition.
Davidson said: "Looking back we weren't doing all that well in the league either in 2010 so there are similarities. But it still goes to show that you can go on a cup run without being at your best in the league.
"It's been a difficult season so far but this is where the cup brings another dimension which we'll hopefully take advantage of.
"There might be a bit less pressure but in no way will we be taking things easy as we know what's at stake for the club. It was a marvellous effort from Raith to get to the last four three years ago. A lot of that was down to the sheer team spirit in the dressing-room which we had back then. I've got to be honest and say that we've got that kind of close-knit atmosphere at Dundee.
The hosts will be fancied to progress to the last eight but Davidson knows they can't afford to take anything for granted.
"We'll be favourites but it's a potential banana skin. Morton are flying high in the first division so will likely fancy their chances coming to Dens Park on Sunday.
"We'll give them every respect because it's a huge tie for us as well and hopefully we'll come through the other side on the day."
Dundee go into tomorrow's fifth-round tie buoyed by the acquisition of the on-loan Nottingham Forrest midfielder David Morgan who has signed until the end of the season and the manager Barry Smith insists they are ready for whatever Morton throw at them.
He said: "I'm pleased to get David as he's a young lad who has come highly recommended. We've had Morton watched and they're not top of the first division for no reason. This will be their cup final so we have to guard against that.
"They will come here full of confidence but it's up to us to take the game to them on the day."
Gary Harkins is cup-tied following his recent switch from Kilmarnock and Dundee are still without Stephen O'Donnell, Davide Grassi, Jamie McCluskey and Carl Finnigan, who have long-term injuries.
The Morton striker, Colin McMenamin, once of Dundee, is ineligible to face his former club, having played for Ross County earlier in the competition.
DUNDEE v Morton Davidson confident he can go one better and reach the final this time
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