Gers were drawn to face either the Kosovans or Gibraltarians in the Europa League first qualifying round earlier this week in what will be their first competitive match of the new season.
It was a step into the relative unknown for Gers last season when they took on Macedonians Shkupi at this stage, and McAllister knows whoever his side end up facing cannot be taken lightly.
He told RangersTV: “We prepared diligently for that game last year, and we cannot disrespect any opponent in these early rounds.
Gers preparation for that match, and indeed the season, steps up a notch today as they depart for Portugal for an intensive training camp.
The facilities Gers will encounter in Iberia are second to none according to McAllister, who continued: “The facility is absolutely outstanding. I know the area pretty well having spent a bit of time there over the years, and this new complex they have put in – there are none better in the world.
“We trained here two days back and a monsoon hit the training ground here. We are guaranteed sunshine, and once the lads get through our physical stuff and the coaches and the manager look to get into the tactical and technical stuff, we won’t have to worry about any rainstorms.
“We will be able to walk around, go through things and introduce the new players to some of the tactical shapes.”
As with last pre-season, on the plane will be a number of Rangers Academy players who will be given the chance to impress boss Steven Gerrard.
McAllister continued: “Being a year down the line, we have chosen the five or six youngsters that are with us. No disrespect to the choice which was made last year as there were five or six very exciting young players – but the ones we have brought along with us this time are ones we have worked with.
“They are aware of the speed and the intensity of training, and of the standards. It is a great opportunity for them to come away and impress the manager.
“Glenn [Middleton] played over 25 times, got himself on the scoresheet, got assists and scored in a Europa League match. That is the targets for these young players.”
A season into his role in Glasgow, McAllister reflected on what has gone so far, and identified the European nights at Ibrox as being a real highlight.
He said: “There was loads of fantastic stuff. I was particularly impressed, like all the big clubs but Rangers especially, being under the lights at Ibrox – I thought that was outstanding, particularly when we got through to the Europa League proper.
“I enjoyed that, but there was a wee tinge of disappointment come the end as we could have done a wee bit better.
“We have to set the standard really high and the expectation level will never go away here.”