David McAllister (Irish footballer)
David McAllister (born December 29 1988 in Dublin, Republic of Ireland) is an Irish footballer who currently plays for FAI League of Ireland First Division club Shelbourne. McAllister plays as a central midfielder. He is the brother of Irish cricketer Fintan McAllister
Career
McAllister began his career at underage level with Rush Athletic, Home Farm and Bohemians before making The Step up to senior football with Drogheda United. McAllister immediately became a member of the Drog's under 21 panel before making his first team debut as a second half substitute during a 2-0 Eircom League of Ireland Cup victory over Shelbourne at Tolka Park on May 5 2008.
Due to intense competition for places in Drogheda's large and experienced league title winning squad, regular first team opportunities were at a premium for McAllister. As a consequence the young midfielder was sent out on loan by Drogheda to First Division Shelbourne for the remainder of the 2008 season in order to play regular football and to gain vital first team experience. McAllister made his Shelbourne debut as a second-half substitute during a 2-0 defeat to Limerick 37 at Tolka Park on July 11 2008. He scored his first Shelbourne goals as part of a hat-trick during a 3-0 victory over Wexford Youths on August 8 2008 at Ferrycarrig Park. McAllister finished as a First Division runner-up with Shelbourne during his loan spell in 2008 contributing an impressive 7 goals in 16 league appearances. McAllister permanently joined Shelbourne in January 2009.