Although predominantly right-footed, McAlister played on the left side of midfield in an eight-year first spell at Morton and was transformed into a right wing-back while at Hamilton Academical.

After a three-year spell in English football with Blackpool, McAlister returned to Morton in 2018 and retired midway through the 2020–21 season.

Some of his performances led to comparisons with Barcelona player Ronaldinho and resulted in a number of fans giving him the tongue-in-cheek nickname 'Jimaldinho'.

[5] Watford manager Malky Mackay told the club that they intended to keep an eye on McAlister over the weeks following the trial.

[6] He also attracted interest from Morton's rivals St Mirren, as claimed by the Greenock Telegraph towards the end of the January 2010 transfer window.

[10][2] He played in the club's defeat in the 2012 Scottish Challenge Cup final,[11] and scored his first and only goal for the Accies in a 5–1 loss at Ross County on 28 April 2012.

[17] It was confirmed that McAllister broke his leg in a 1–1 draw against Colchester United on 4 February 2017, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.