McAllister aware Town’s squad are playing for their futures

FORWARD Craig McAllister is aware that he and a large number of the Town squad are playing for their livelihoods next season, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 31-year-old striker is currently on loan from Newport County, where he still has 12 months left to run on his deal.

McAllister, who wouldn’t be adverse to staying at Kenilworth Road, is fully aware that the squad will be going all out to impress new manager Paul Buckle.

He said: “When someone new comes in, people seem to up their game.

“A lot of lads here are out of contract and need to prove themselves for next year. I’ve got another year at Newport, so I need to see where my future lies with them.

“I’ve enjoyed it here, I’ve not played as much football as I’d have liked to, but that happens.

“The manager has said to me I’ll get my chance and I’ll just have to take it when I get it.”

McAllister has found his route into the first team blocked by the signing of livewire Andre Gray, and the rebirth of Stuart Fleetwood.

He remained on the bench during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Alfreton Town, but came on for the last 10 minutes against Ebbsfleet on Tuesday to net his first goal for the club.

McAllister continued: “Those two (Gray and Fleetwood) are on fire, working very hard and deserve the chance they’re getting.

“I’ve just got to keep working hard and keep getting selected for the squad. Then when I get my chance, I need to give 100 per cent.

“I didn’t get a chance on Saturday and was a little bit disappointed, but certain things had to be done and it didn’t quite happen for me.

“I got a chance on Tuesday and was happy to get on the scoresheet.”

The appointment of Buckle has seen an extra impetus placed on training and according to McAllister, the players are taking to the task well.

He continued: “If you’re not playing, you’ve got to work harder to get in. It’s nothing to do with the old manager how training was, I just think just the tempo’s been upped and he’s demanding a lot more out of people.

“Everyone’s responding to it, so far he’s getting the best out of people and long may it remain until we win promotion.”

McAllister knows what it takes to get out of the division too, having won the title with Crawley Town last campaign.

With play-off rivals Kidderminster visiting Kenilworth Road on Saturday, the striker remains confident Luton will be in League Two next season.

He said: “They’re flying and have had some good wins. We know we’ll be tough to beat at home and they will know that. If we can play like we have previously at home, we’ll be too much for them I think.

“We’ve got to go about our business and we know if we win the rest of the games this season, we’ll be in the playoffs and then we’ll go from there.

“It’ll be nice to finish off with a promotion, nice to get another one and then see what lies from there.”

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