To see the Mariners latest training session...

However, the 25-year-old is determined to create his own footprint at the Central Coast Mariners and has no desire to be viewed as John Aloisi’s direct replacement.

He certainly doesn’t view himself as Aloisi mark two but has the same desire to score goals and follow Aloisi into the senior international ranks.

Macallister is enjoying his first week as a Mariners player as he bids to get used to an altogether warmer set up than he has been used to in Norwegian club football.

Early pre-season work is often focused on building fitness levels and that is where Macallister enjoys an advantage over his new teammates.

Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com as he finished training today, he said: “This week is a transition week for me. I’m not looking to overdo things. I don’t want to do too much too quickly.

“The biggest thing for me is to get used to the Australian conditions, the hard pitches and the warm sun.

“I’m a bit different to most of the boys, I’ve just completed three months pre-season in Norway and then I’ve had the last two-and-a-half weeks off so I’m in quite good condition at the moment.

“I just need to keep ticking over and I’m looking forward to the games, just to get to know the boys and see how they play.

“It’s going to take a bit of time so I’m really happy that I’m here for the full pre-season and it’s going to be a good build up I reckon.”

He has been brought in to bolster the Mariners’ goal output but his height in particular means comparisons with an outgoing striker don’t sit well with him.
Macallister said: “I’m quick, good with the ball and I get on the end of things, so I guess that’s also what John Aloisi does. But I think I offer the team something a bit different to John.

“For me, the priority is to perform well for Lawrie (McKinna), the boys and the Central Coast. It’s a great set up here with great support.”

The former SK Brann and Lyn Oslo forward is looking forward to linking up with the Mariners remaining strikers and says pre-season is about developing those partnerships.

He said: “I trained here back in November while I was on my holidays. I think Sash (Petrovski) complement each other well, I know what he likes. But whether I play with Sash, Nik Mrdja, Matty Simon or another new player, we’ve all got something to offer the team.

“We need to work on these partnerships in training and talk about how we want to play football. We need to have the mental understanding as well as the physical one.”

While A-League success is the priority, Macallister makes no secret of his international ambitions. He first hit the green and gold headlines with his performances at the 1999 Under 17 World Cup in New Zealand and later helped his country qualify for the Athens Olympics.

He said: “I’ve never represented my country at full level and of course that’s an ambition of mine.”
To see the Mariners latest training session...