Kyle’s out to impress Lampard
McAllister is desperate for game time
Former St Mirren midfielder Kyle McAllister insists he is back to his very best as he attempts to catch the eye of new Derby County manager Frank Lampard.
McAllister, 19, swapped Paisley for Pride Park in January last year and has struggled for game time following a raft of injuries.
He is now bidding to win over former England and Chelsea legend Lampard, after the 40- year- old took the Derby reins following the departure of Gary Rowett, who left for Stoke City.
Lampard becomes McAllister’s third manager in just 18 months south of the border after he was signed by Steve McClaren.
The former Buddie admits he is now under pressure to show that he has what it takes to be a success with the Rams in what is a crucial season on a personal note.
McAllister said: “I need to impress because he has decisions to make. If I don’t impress now then it may turn on me.
“When I come out and play my 30 minutes, I will try my hardest to impress him , even if I’m not fully fit, so when I am then he might pick me.
“With the pre-season games, I will start off slowly but hopefully I’ll get a full game in before the start of the season.
“If we can’t, I just need to keep building up and by the time I get to a full game I will be as fit as I can be.
“I feel a lot better now than I felt back when I was playing first-team football in Scotland and all of last year.
“Hopefully, I’ll be at 100 per cent soon.”
McAllister was quickly recognised as one of the country’s hottest prospects after being handed his St Mirren debut by Alex Rae away to Queen of the South in early 2016.
The winger followed that up with appearances against Rangers at Ibrox and call-ups to the Scotland Under-19 side.
Jack Ross continued to put his trust in the youngster upon his arrival in the dugout, with McAllister earning goal of the round for a stunning solo strike against Spartans in the Scottish Cup.
His form quickly attracted attention from Derby, with McClaren making his move for the youngster in January 2017.
McAllister admits that he has struggled with injuries since finally making the move but reckons he is better for it now.
McAllister added: “I have become a lot stronger mentally.
“It has been really tough, but playing football is my job at the end of the day, and I’ve not been able to do that.
“I came here to impress and it’s 18 months later and I still haven’t played two games in a row.
“I’ve learned a lot and I will be able to go through this season a lot better knowing that I am mentally tougher.
“I’ve not felt fully fit ever to be honest.
“I’ve struggled all the way through since I was younger with injuries and I think this is the time I will feel perfect when I come back.”