Although there has been a claim Alan is looking for a right back, Robbie has been given another extension after his second month ended following the win at Nottingham Forest in which he played the full game.
"Getting players from the Premiership is very difficult at the moment and Steve McLaren has said we can take him and I think it is the best move for us at this moment," says Alan.
With defensive cover thin on the ground and a suspension looming for Tomas Repka, Alan explains:
"You are going to lose Tomas Repka for two games which is going to be a blow, and certainly Robbie is going to have another chance to impress us here at West Ham.
"He has been unlucky in some respects with an injury which knocked him back, and he has only really had two games.
"But I thought he did well enough on Saturday to warrant another month; he seemed to get better as the game went on.
"Certainly it is as it was a month ago and the ball is very much in his court."
Tomas' suspension for reaching 10 bookings kicks in on the 10th of January against Preston, and will also take in either a possible FA cup replay with Wigan or the league game with Sheffield United - leaving David James as the only ever present at the club."