The Premier League legend featured for both Leeds and Liverpool during his playing days, and feels the Whites should be taking part in matches like this more often.
Former Leeds United and Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister has been speaking to the Reds website after his two old clubs were drawn together in the quarter finals of the League Cup, and he had nostalgic words about the Elland Road club.
McAllister, who is an ambassador at Anfield having also coached there under Brendan Rodgers, is looking forward to the match on Merseyside in the week commencing November 28.
“It’s a great fixture,” the 51-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com.
Gary McAllister – Leeds United in action against Steve Nicol – Liverpool
“I still see Leeds United as a Premier League side, there’s no doubt in my mind they’d be a plus for the top division.
“It’s a one-club city with a fantastic fanbase. They’re punching below their weight but there are definite signs that Leeds are on their way back.
Leeds United players celebrate winning the penalty shoot out against Norwich that put them into the quarter finals
“They should be in the top division. This fixture goes way back, there have been some great games and great players at both clubs.”
The Scotland legend was with the Whites when they lifted the First Division title in 1992, the club’s last major trophy, and it is no surprise to see him disappointed with the way things have gone at Elland Road over the last few years.
With Leeds slipping down the divisions over the last decade or so, there were hopes of a Premier League return after Simon Grayson pulled them back into the Championship from after a three season spell in the third tier.
Leeds manager Garry Monk
But aside from finishing 7th in their next season in 2011, Leeds haven’t finished higher than 13th in the Championship, and have been unable to provide any real stability under the controversial ownership of Massimo Cellino.
McAllister spent six years with Leeds, and had a shorter, but no less successful spell with Liverpool towards the end of his career, with the Reds winning an astonishing five trophies in 2001 under Gerard Houllier.
Gary McAllister celebrates with Emile Heskey – Liverpool v Coventry, 2000.
And he went on to suggest that Liverpool could be in with a chance of winning a trophy in the competition.
“People always associate this cup competition as one of the least priorities,” McAllister added.
“But Jurgen [Klopp] wants to win. If you can get a trophy on the table, it’s massive, the kudos that comes with it and what you can build on.
“You go back to the treble-winning side I played in. Winning the first cup sets the confidence up, the whole belief within the club to go and win others. So it’s a great cup to win.”
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates after the win over Spurs with Georginio Wijnaldum as Roberto Firmino celebrates with Adam Lallana
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