McAllister, who made an unsuccessful approach for one unnamed player before the Football League's temporary market closed at 5pm last night, has faith in the ability of his players to tie up a play-off position.

Leeds made just two signings during the loan window – Dougie Freedman from Crystal Palace and striking an ill-fated deal with Aston Villa for defender Stephen O'Halloran – and McAllister will rely on familiar faces for the final eight league games.

United host play-off rivals Brighton tomorrow and McAllister said: "I'm happy with the 19-man squad. It's been very tight during the last four or five weeks.

"We've got enough cover, and certainly enough quality. I'm backing my players. We've got the strength in depth, and a nice mixture of the young and the experienced."

McAllister's side beat Walsall convincingly at Elland Road six days ago but he predicted a tight battle with a Brighton team who held Nottingham Forest to a goalless draw on Monday.

"I saw them at Forest and they competed very well," said McAllister.

"They're on a decent run, and they'll be pretty confident. But our players have set standards, and after Walsall they should have a good feeling about themselves."