The Elland Road boss drew the battle lines for the 2008-09 term by insisting his squad have the ability and the character to cope with the pressure of starting the campaign as favourites for both promotion and the League One title.

United came within one victory of returning to the Championship last term, but their tough visit to Scunthorpe United at noon tomorrow is widely expected to be the start of a successful bid to rejoin England's second tier.

McAllister is aware of a strong feeling of anticipation in Leeds and will set out with the target of winning League One, but he warned his players against shying away from the expectant mood.

McAllister said: "If you're a professional footballer at a club like this and you go into the season being fearful then you're at the wrong club. There's only one place to be and that's at a club who are competing at the right end of the table.

"If you go in being scared of missing a pass or missing the target, you're going to find it difficult.

"There are expectations but I feel we've got people who can cope with that.

"So there are no (negative) thoughts. We're looking at the other side – we want to get the place on a roll. I've experienced that here before and I'm trying to pass it on to the players.

"Once this place does get moving, it can be mighty."

Leeds began last season with a run of seven straight victories and 12 league games without defeat, and McAllister is looking to set a similar standard during the opening weeks of the new term.

"The guys got away to a flyer last season but they've got to repeat it again and show consistency," he said. "We're looking for the same start.

"Right from day one of pre-season, I've felt a determination. They know they won 27 games last year and got 91 points. We're looking to improve on that but if we repeat it then we'll be there or thereabouts."

United were given a major lift yesterday by the news that influential midfielder David Prutton has agreed a one-year extension to his contract at Elland Road, tying himself to the club until the summer of 2010.

Young goalkeeper Alan Martin has also negotiated new terms and put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

Midfielder Bradley Johnson, meanwhile, is McAllister's only injury doubt and is likely to miss tomorrow's game at Glanford Park with a back problem.

"We've been protecting him this week but he might just struggle."