New Shrewsbury Town loan signing David McAllister is aiming to use his stay at the Greenhous Meadow as a catapult into the Sheffield United first team.

The 23-year-old has joined Town from the Blades for an initial month – and admits he is open to extending that deal if all goes to plan.

But the Irish midfielder remains convinced his future lies at Bramall Lane, where Sheffield United are right in the mix in the League One play-off frame.

“I’d like to think I can get a few games under my belt here and get back to Sheffield United for the run-in towards the end of the season for the push for the Championship,” said McAllister, who was hoping to make his Shrewsbury debut at home to Gillingham today.

“Shrewsbury are doing well in League Two and in the play-off positions.

“I had a chat with Graham Turner on Thursday and he said Shrewsbury like to get the ball on the deck and pass it around, and he told me that he could see me fitting into that team.

“I’d definitely be interested in staying longer than a month as well if things go well – at the end of the month I’m going to have a review and see where we are then.”

McAllister admits he was keen to get out on loan, the former St Patrick’s Athletic man having started just five first team games so far this season.

And he was not shy in telling his manager of his intent once he learned of Shrewsbury’s interest.

“The first I heard of it was about two weeks ago when Richared Cresswell (one of the senior pros at Sheffield United) came up and said Shrewsbury were interested in taking me,” McAllister revealed.

“Straight away I went up to the gaffer (Danny Wilson) and said I would be interested in going out on loan because I was struggling to get games with Sheffield United.”