Leeds fly out tomorrow for a 10-day visit that features friendlies at unfamiliar Galway United, Bray Wanderers and Shelbourne.

However, while McAllister admits he has no "dossiers" on his opponents, he is warning all three sides will be no mugs.

While McAllister's Leeds players have had just 10 days' pre-season training and one warm-up match with York City, the eircom League of Ireland is in full swing and just over halfway through the season.

Wednesday's hosts Galway (7.30pm) are bottom of the league but are still a Premier Division side, while Sunday's opponents Bray (3pm) are comfortably mid-table.

Shelbourne, who Leeds visit a week on Wednesday (7.30pm), are a First Division outfit but are top of the league, having conceded just nine goals in 17 games and have the division's top scorer, Anto Flood, with 13.

McAllister also knows Leeds' opponents will have a significant fitness advantage and doesn't forsee any cricket scores.

"I've not got any dossiers on the sides we're playing against, all I know is that the Irish league is very competitive," said McAllister.
"Steve Staunton (assistant) will guide us a wee bit there.

"I'm happy and the facts are the Irish are in season so they'll be competitive games.

"We're a wee bit behind them in terms of match fitness but we feel that with the training we've done here, by the time we get to Ireland we will be shaped up and ready for these games.

"There's a nice graduation of the difficulty of the games as well, then we get back and it's same again.

"We're going to take a group of between 20 and 24 to Ireland. That will have three keepers in there as well. I've spoke to all the guys left behind who are not in the plans."

Leeds will be away for some 10 days in Ireland before returning after their final tour match against Shelbourne.

As pre-season tours go, it's a relatively long time, but McAllister revealed that is very much by design in order to further strengthen Leeds' team spirit.

"I always feel getting away out of the training camp, living with each other morning, noon and night, there's that bonding and togetherness which going on a pre-season camp brings," said the manager.

"We're not a million miles from home, we're not having to travel that far and we're going in against good opposition against players who are slightly ahead of us.

"They will be good tests and it gives us an opportunity to work on a lot of shapes and systems as we're together throughout the time."

A squad of around 20 will visit Ireland but McAllister revealed the trip is also something of a scouting mission for Leeds.

"It gives me an opportunity because a lot of Premiership clubs have been delving into the Irish league and producing players that are very capable of coming and playing at that level," he said.

"Whilst we're over there it's a wee opportunity to see the standard and maybe get to a few games as well.

"It seems to be a bit fashionable at the moment to go to Ireland and bring players out of that league."

On their return from Ireland, Leeds visit Barnet on Saturday, July 26 before a trip to Darlington three days later

The pre-season highlight is the hosting of Belgian side FCV Dender on Saturday, August 2. One week later, Leeds kick-off their League One promotion quest at Scunthorpe United and McAllister revealed there is massive optimism within the camp, describing the mood as "bright and bubbly".

The Whites were crushed by play-off final heartbreak last year but McAllister hopes this season more than makes amends.

"Last season has gone, that's history now," said the Scot.

"We feel with the administration gone, the 15 points are no longer there, there's no deficit at the start of the season and it's a fresh start.

"It's onwards and upwards and we don't want to look back, we want to look forward.

"The players know what is expected. They know we go into this campaign as favourites but we don't have a problem with that.

"We know what we've got to do and it's simply a case of repeating the number of wins that we got last season and looking to improve on that."


McAllister revealed on Thursday that Leeds are still chasing two more strikers and the boss is impressed with his two most recent additions, striker Enoch Showunmi and midfielder Andy Robinson.

Both are eager to impress in Ireland and McAllister has every confidence in them playing at both League One level and beyond.
"Andy Robinson brings goals, he's got a bit of guile," he said.

"He plays on the left side, he's right-footed and he's got a nice bit of poise. He can move the ball well and I think he just brings us a wee bit of quality on that side of the pitch.

"Enoch, just looking at him you can tell that he brings a bit of physical presence, a lot of strength and he is proven – certainly at this level.

"I think he has got enough in his armoury to score goals in this division but as we look to go forwards, looking onwards and upwards, I think he's got enough to go and score higher up as well."

McAllister also hailed the influence of Leeds' Thorp Arch training facility in bringing the two players to the club.

"It's pure and simple, as soon as they drive in here at Thorp Arch the first thing they see is that beautiful pitch," he said. "It impresses them and they see a Premier League set-up here."

The Premier League is ultimately where Leeds belong and McAllister hopes they can start on the road back there by winning promotion at the end of this season.

As title favourites, the manager admits there is added pressure but the Scot is hopeful Leeds will pass their test with flying colours.

"It's a good pressure but we're under no illusions, we know how tough it's going to be," said McAllister. "It's a tough league to get out of, but we know what it takes."