McAllister played primarily as a midfielder and had a successful career spanning over nineteen years. His most successful spells took place at Leicester City, Leeds United, Coventry City and and brief spell at Liverpool. For Leicester City, McAllister was named in the Second Division PFA Team of the Year. In 2000, McAllister made a surprise move to Liverpool, at the age of 35. Though it was a brief spell, he played an integral role in the clubs success during this period