He had only just established himself as a senior selection when he was forced to sit out the Bramall Lane derby last spring because of a calf injury.

But he has remained a regular this season and has his sights set again on playing in a Sheffield derby for the first time.

"I was gutted to miss the derby at Bramall Lane," says the Bolton-born 21-year-old who was not in the team at the time of the Owls' win against United at Hillsborough but was well to the fore by the time of the return match.

"A derby is the sort of game you want to play in, the biggest of the season, but I had to miss out."

It worked out well for his replacement, Adam Bolder, however - the loan midfielder scored the goals that put Wednesday two up.

"We should have won that game as well," says McAllister, who suspects that playing in as city derby is probably less nerve-racking than watching one.

"When you're on the pitch you've got that on your mind and you just try to block everything else out," he said.

"When you're watching you start to get nervous and just hope that the team do well."

McAllister is not taking it for granted that he will be in the side but believes that he has staked a strong claim.

"Things have gone well for me; I've started every league game. I'll be distraught if I'm not involved on Sunday.," he admitted.

"Hopefully I'll be there. I think I've shown I deserve a place on merit." McAllister and summer signing James O'Connor have forged an industrious midfield partnership, and loan signing Jimmy Smith from Chelsea has been unable to hold down a regular place.

It is testimony to McAllister's progress since he emerged from the Owls academy.

Although best known as a central midfield player, he is also versatile.

"My favourite position is centre midfield, and I think I'm more effective there," he said,

"I can play on either wing, though I'm not the same type of player as Jermaine Johnson - I'm not going to beat four players and stick it in the top corner!

"I think people know what they'll get from me. I'll work hard, be as reliable as I can with the ball and get tackles in. I'm probably a more solid type of player, who gets stuck in.

"We'll want to keep the game tight. We've got a good record at home. Hopefully we can keep that going.

"We have done well so far, with the crowd behind us. They'll be there again on Sunday.; they're always great.

"This is a derby. It should be interesting. I can't wait."

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Owls Watch 08-09 - The Season So Far
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