I CAN'T LEAVE AND MISS A TITLE CHANCE

JAMIE McALLISTER insists the fear of missing out on major domestic success was behind his decision not leave Hearts for regular first-team football.

The former Livingston and Aberdeen full-back signed a new two-and-a-half year contract with the Tynecastle outfit yesterday despite attracting interest from both sides of the border.

With Euro 2004 winner Takis Fyssas a mainstay at left-b ack and the prolific fans' favourite Rudi Skacel making that side of midfield his own, the 27-year-old has become a fringe player at Tynecastle.

That has led to Dunfermline, Dundee United, Watford and Stoke City all making enquires about the versatile player.

But McAllister said: "There were so many factors that made me want to sign here. We are challenging for the Scottish Cup and there are only seven points between us and Celtic at the moment.

"I'd never have forgiven myself if the club had won something and I wasn't here. I'm delighted to sign, I can concentrate on playing football now.

"Although I was very tempted to leave to find first-team football, I always wanted to stay here and that was my first priority.

"I had one or two offers over the weekend and I think there were a couple of offers made to the club but I spoke to Graham Rix and he said I was a big part of his plans and he wanted me here so I'm delighted to sign. It's nice to be wanted."

The Scotland cap also admits he was keen not to make any drastic changes to his life outside football for another reason.

He said: "I had an attractive offer to leave but with my wife Ashley being pregnant I didn't want to move house and uproot."

The arrival of Neil McCann earlier this week has bolstered Hearts' championship hopes and at the same time diminished McAllister's chances of pinning down a regular first-team berth.

But he said: "It shows the ambition of the club, signing a player of Neil's calibre, and he will be a great addition to the team.

"He has played at the highest level and he has won things as well so it's a nice headache for the gaffer to have, a lot of players on the left.

"I want to try to be the best in that position. You just have to keep working hard and hopefully I will get a chance.

"I spoke to the gaffer and he said I will get my chance if I keep doing what I'm doing. He said I am a big part of the team so it's pleasing to be here."

Taken from the Daily Record