Battle-ready McAllister to return

Jan 10 2009 The Journal

NEWCASTLE Vipers enforcer Chris McAllister has already proven his powers of recovery as he prepares for today’s clash with Manchester Phoenix and now the Canadian intends to show he is the toughest guy in the league.

McAllister was expected to be out for at least two weeks with a broken bone in his foot, but the former New York Ranger and Toronto Maple Leafs star has been training and insists he is ready for action.

And the NHL veteran will not let a sore foot stop him from trading blows with anyone who fancies their chances of knocking him over on the ice this weekend - particularly Pheonix tough guy Brett Clouthier.

McAllister said: “We are short benched with the departure of Griffith and the suspension of Derek Campbell so I have no hesitation in icing this weekend for the benefit of the team. I’m not purposely looking for a fight this weekend, but I am open to offers from anyone who is willing to challenge me.

The Vipers secured a thrilling 5-4 win over Edinburgh Capitals to book a semi-final place in the British Cup last weekend, with the team’s willingness to scrap with their opponents lifting a crowd which has had to contend with far too many disappointments this season.

“It certainly got the players and the crowd going,” said McAllister who watched the game from the bench as he recovered from his injury.

“When it all happened I just wanted to be out there and it was great to see the crowd really get going and there is no doubt it helped us win the game. A similar scenario on Saturday could be just what we need to end our bad run against the Phoenix.”

The home game against Pheonix is followed on Sunday by a trip to Hull Stingrays and David Longstaff insists the team still have plenty to play for.

He said: “There have been a lot of ups and downs for us this season in terms of injuries. But we have to keep battling.

“It’s great that we are still alive in the cup and we still have silverware to play for. We played well over the two legs. It could certainly be the turning point in our season.

“We have had a roller-coaster season, but now there is a chance of some early silverware and the mood within the team has changed.

“There is a sense of optimism in the squad now and we will be welcoming back Ed Courtney this weekend who we missed during the tie against Edinburgh. We now have to use this optimism to our advantage against a Manchester side that have had our number this season.”