"I have worked with Luke before at Reading and he knows what I am about," says Alan of the capture from Manchester United.
"He brings something different to the squad - he likes to pass and move from wide areas and he is a very astute passer of the ball.
"I think that is something we could add to the squad."
Alan will be patient in introducing him into the first team, however, and he explains:
"Luke is a player that takes time to settle, so I will let him bed down a little bit first - and then we will start seeing the best of him.
"Luke needs to be comfortable in his environment, and then when he is, he will start producing the goods.
"I don't think Luke will feature on Saturday but I am sure he will be part of one of the games next week."
Although he has had spells on loan at Burnley, Reading, and Royal Antwerp, he has also played for Manchester United's first team and Alan knows that his pedigree serves him well.
"He has come from a fantastic breeding ground for young players, like our own club; their principles are similar to ours."
He has versatility, too, and Alan adds:
"The beauty of Luke is that he can play either flank just as well."
Meanwhile, as far as injuries are concerned, there is mixed news ahead of Leicester.
Matthew Etherington has had an in-growing toe nail, Bobby Zamora has had a knee problem, and Steve Lomas sustained an ankle injury in training.
"Mattie is fine and we don't see any problem with him not starting Saturday," says Alan.
"Bobby has a chance but with Lomy we don't think so - maybe he will have to wait until the Wigan game."