McAllister settling in as Blades look to climb
Midfielder McAllister, 22, had been a Blades player for just over a week when he was called on by manager Micky Adams to play against the Premier League side.
With only 12 senior players available due to a crippling injury list, McAllister – signed on a free transfer from Irish club St Patricks Athletic – started on the substitutes' bench before replacing Lee Williamson in the centre of the pitch with 15 minutes to go.
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Hide AdAlthough the Blades slipped to a 3-1 defeat, McAllister did enough on his debut to push for consideration for this weekend's trip to Coventry City.
"When the FA Cup draw was made, I didn't think I could possibly be involved but I was thrown in and it was a dream come true," he said.
"There are a lot of injuries at the club just now so chances might come along a little sooner than I thought. We will see what happens."
McAllister was part of a double swoop by the Blades on the Irish League with defender Seamus Conneely, also 22, joining from Galway United. Both players have signed 18-month deals.
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Hide Ad"After three or four games, I will feel a bit more comfortable," said McAllister. "You can do as much fitness work as you can but it never compares to what is needed in a game.
"We are still settling into life in Sheffield and, hopefully, we can concentrate on our football now and help the gaffer when we are required – because we know this club is desperate to move up the table quickly."
The Blades have also signed striker Danny Philliskirk, 19, on a month's loan from Chelsea. His father Tony, also a striker, played for the Blades in the Eighties.