Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson claims there is a “gulf” in the middle of the Ladbrokes Premiership.
But he is not ready to write off Well’s chances of bridging the seven-point chasm separating his seventh-placed side from nearest rivals Aberdeen.
Well ended a two-month wait for a win against fellow strugglers St Mirren on Wednesday and can take another step away from basement boys Dundee if they topple Jim McIntyre’s side at Fir Park on Saturday.
“There is a little gap now but we did well on Wednesday night to close it a bit,” said the Northern Irishman.
“We have a chance to close it again this weekend before facing Aberdeen in a couple of weeks too.
“So it’s still fairly early on and everything is very much in our own hands.
“There is a gulf – a gulf in finances and a gulf in the teams in the league – but in reality we’re all probably fighting for one spot in the top six.
“Listen, my remit with the budget I have is to stay in this division. My goal might be higher than that but I will keep that in our dressing room.”
Dundee have shipped 12 goals and netted none during new boss McIntyre’s first three games in charge.
But Robinson is taking nothing for granted.
He said: “I’ve stated it numerous times, I think Dundee have got some very talented players.
“They spent a lot of money putting that squad together and I just think they haven’t had the rub of the green at times.
“I’ve watched them a lot and we definitely have to be wary of them.”