Queen of the South boss Gary Naysmith knows his side could upset Dundee in the William Hill Scottish Cup but insists the Taysiders are a step up in opponent.
The Championship outfit beat leaders Ross County 4-0 in their league meeting at the weekend to move up to fourth spot and have lost only one of their last 10 matches.
By contrast, Jim McIntyre’s side are two points behind St Mirren at the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership and without a win in six matches.
Ahead of the trip to Dens Park in the fourth round on Saturday, Naysmith said: “I can see why people think that but we played Partick Thistle last season when they were near the bottom of the league and they beat us 2-1 (in the Scottish Cup).
“Motherwell, fourth or fifth bottom just now, were a good bit better than us earlier in the season, albeit we took St Johnstone to extra time (both in the League Cup).
“So we have done OK against the Premiership clubs but we are aware that there is still a step up, there is a gulf but I understand why people are saying there is a chance of an upset.”