McAllister lauds Portsmouth loanee signingÂ
The Pompey centre-back has joined Gosport Borough on loan and goes straight into their squad for tomorrow's first-qualifying round FA Cup tie at Sittingbourne (3pm).Â
Casey, 18, was at Weymouth earlier this season but made just two appearances and returned to Fratton Park.Â
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Hide AdJoe Byrne has also arrived from Blackfield & Langley to strengthen Borough's rearguard.
And McAllister is delighted to add the pair to the Privett Park ranks.Â
The Gosport boss said: '˜I am really happy that Matt is on board.
'˜The lad is a quality defender and has a bright future ahead of him.
'˜We are thankful to Mark Kelly for letting him come over.
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Hide Ad'˜It will enable him to get more game-time and adds greater competition to our squad.
'˜I have got two quality defenders and it makes sure that no-one can be in the comfort zone'
Borough's reasons for advancing as far as possible in the FA Cup are two-fold.
Not only would it provide a windfall for the Privett Park coffers, but McAllister feels it's a platform for his players to move up the football ladder.
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Hide Ad'˜First and foremost it can bring valuable finances in,' he added.
'˜It is also good for the players because it is a chance for them to put themselves in the shop window.
'˜Getting to the first round proper is the dream for all the little clubs.Â
'˜Firstly, though, we have to beat Sittingbourne and it won't be easy. It is vital that we get our attitude right and maintain our concentration.
'˜Getting into the hat for the next round is massive for us.
'˜We need to work hard and stick together.'Â