He began his playing career at Motherwell, scoring 8 goals in 70 appearances, until his fine performance in the 1985 Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic caught the eye of Leicester City manager Gordon Milne.
He signed for the English club, along with Motherwell team-mate Ally Mauchlen, for a combined fee of £250,000 in 1985.
After Leeds, McAllister went on to play for Coventry City and Liverpool.
He was also a Scotland international and is a member of the Scotland Football Hall of Fame, having won over 50 caps.
Though serving for a relatively short time at Anfield, he played an integral role in the team that won a treble of cups in 2000 & 2001.
His ability to play central midfield or on either wing made him a useful weapon in the armoury of then manager Gerard Houllier, who described McAllister as his "most inspirational signing."
Gary was also known for his ability with the dead-ball and frequently demonstrated that skill as he presided over most of Liverpool's set pieces that season scoring a memorable long range free-kick against local rivals Everton which cemented him into Anfield folklore, many suggesting the club had signed him 10 years to late.
He also made a strong impression on the younger members of ths squad, and seemed to inspire players around him when they found themselves in a corner.
McAllister also had a spell in management with former club Coventry. However he resigned for family reasons, his wife, Denise, having been ill with breast cancer.
Unfortunately, Denise McAllister died on 3 March 2006. In 2001, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to football.
Consistently classy, this experienced Scottish international has demonstrated the range and power of his game at a variety of top clubs, winning a championship medal during his time at Leeds United in the early 90s.
His magnificent passing skills and dead ball ability have also won him acclaim at international level, and he brought a wealth of knowledge to Liverpool following his arrival from Premiership rivals Coventry City.
Came to prominence at Leicester after signing from Motherwell, and helped carve out chances in a Foxes team including Gary Lineker and Alan Smith.
Despite being sent-off on his full Liverpool debut against Arsenal he was born-again during the 00/01 season and established himself back in the first team with a series of outstanding displays and important goals.
Hit a rich vein of form towards the end of the season scoring five goals in five games as the run in for European places heated up - has become Liverpool's dead-ball specialist.
Originally brought in as a bit-part player McAllister has found a new lease of life and is as much a regular in Gerard Houllier's side as any other player.
He was a key factor in Liverpool's treble cup success and Champions League qualification during the 00/01 season.
England fans have fond memories of McAllister as it was he missed a vital penalty for Scotland in a crucial Euro 96 group clash with the auld enemy.