The non-contract forward – who played his first competitive match in 19 months in Leeds United's 5-2 FA Cup success at Northampton Town on Monday night – remains on course to land a permanent deal.

United expect to receive permission for the 29-year-old to be included in their plans for tomorrow's home encounter with Hartlepool United.

Ex-loan ace Freedman had a seismic impact during his spell with the Whites in the second half of last season, with his attacking nous and intelligent link-up play.

And former Middlesbrough and Derby frontman Christie – who prior to Monday had played one reserve team game and two behind-closed-doors matches for United – can provide similar talismanic qualities, according to McAllister.

The Leeds boss said: "He's very tired, as you can imagine. We're working away at things and are hoping to have things done and dusted for the weekend and, fingers crossed, we'll get that done.

"He can bring the kind of guile and experience Dougie Freedman gave us towards the end of last season. Malcolm is a proven goal-scorer at a higher level than this, so it's fingers crossed.

"As we did with Paul Telfer, we want to gauge Malcolm, who has to prove he can play six to eight games. Then maybe we would be looking at a longer arrangement. There's definitely light at the end of the tunnel."